Zone Qualifier
18 September 2006
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Sibusiso Ndebele, will address the launch
of the Federation International Football Association (FIFA) Beach Soccer
African Zone Qualifier on Tuesday, 19 September 2006. The FIFA Beach Soccer
African Zone Qualifier takes place from 26 to 30 September at New Beach,
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This is a culmination of work that has been done by
Beach Soccer World Wide (BSWW) who promotes, regulates and organises key beach
soccer events throughout the world, including the FIFA Beach Soccer World
Cup.
The participating African countries are South Africa, Egypt, Ivory Coast,
Morocco, Cameroon and Nigeria.
BSWW intends developing the sport and making Durban the home of Beach
Soccer. This event will be followed by a Pro Beach Soccer Tour Event in
December 2006.
The Premier said: "We are indeed proud to welcome Fluvio Danilas, Head of
Event Operations for FIFA and General Manager of Beach Soccer World Wide. On
the 28 September we will be welcoming Joan Cusco Carbo, Joint Managing Director
and Board Member of FIFA, and Executive Vice-President of Beach Soccer World
Wide.
"This is a spectacular, high energy, dynamic barefoot 'new lifestyle' sport
which enjoys significant synergies with the province and city's vision of
making Durban Africa's premier sports and recreation destination, as well as in
respect of city initiatives to revitalise its beaches and create space for
events, all of which form part of the city and province's 2010 and Beyond
Strategy.
"The launch of Beach Soccer in our province is a landmark achievement and
one that we can be proud of. Beach Soccer is a fast developing sport which,
with FIFA support, has made representation to the Organisation of Islamic
Conference (IOC) for inclusion in the 2008 Olympics.
"The province has committed resources towards staging this first tournament
of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. By successfully staging this African
Zone Qualifier tournament, we as a city and province will be in a better
position to secure the 2009 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup."
The launch will take place at:
Venue: Tugela Room, Garden Court, North Beach Holiday Inn
Time: 15h00
Date: Tuesday, 19 September 2006
Members of the media are invited to attend.
Photo opportunities will be available during and after the proceedings. The
Premier will be available for pre-arranged media interviews after the formal
proceedings.
For further information and to pre-arrange media interviews contact Jeff
Hassan, 082 884 1872
Enquiries: Thulani Sithole, Media Liaison
Tel: (033) 341 3428
Cell: 082 317 3727
E-mail: sitholtn@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
18 September 2006
Source: SAPA
