In line with its commitment to develop sports in Nelson Mandela Bay, the NMBM Council today approved financial and in-kind support for various sport organisations to enhance the City’s efforts to build social cohesion and reduce crime.
During a Council meeting on Monday, the Council gave the green light for NMBM to assist sport organisations through cash payments, sport equipment and attire, venue hire, medals and trophies and transport costs.
More than 40 sport organisations were selected to benefit from this year’s municipal support after the City called on all sport organisations to apply for assistance, through an advertisement in the local media earlier this year.
The sporting organisations that will receive assistance, focus mainly on amateur sport development, with the hope of creating professional sport stars who will compete nationally and internationally, representing the country in world sport fields.
Executive Mayor Cllr Nqaba Bhanga said: “Sport development is very important in our City. The Minister of Sport, Nathi Mthethwa commended us when he was here, as the City for putting money where our mouth is. We have made a commitment that we want our children off the streets and sport is just one ways of doing that. By investing in our youth, we are also positioning our City as the place where brilliant sports stars are groomed.”
“The sports events that we often bring to our shores, also bring opportunities to the young stars that benefit from our support. When big organisations say they want to do legacy projects when they are here, we are able to point them to these organisations and because we already support these organisations, investors develop an interest as they see that work is already being done and their investment is guaranteed to make a difference.”
The Nelson Mandela Bay Sport Confederation, Nelson Mandela Bay Judo Association, Nelson Mandela Bay Netball Association, Thistles Sport Club, Thubalethu Boxing Club, Volcano Ladies Football Club and United Cricket Club are just some of the organisations that will benefit from this year’s approval.
The Council also approved the new three-year partnership between the City and the NMB Promoters Association, to revive boxing in the City and a three-year agreement between the City and Arena Holdings for the hosting of the Herald Cycle Tour.