Cape Town - The City of Cape Town’s Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith has lauded international bodies for continuing to choose Cape Town as the host city for various events, competitions and tournaments.
Smith made the comment with reference to the World Masters Hockey World Cup, which is being held in Cape Town.
The tournament kicked off at Hartleyvale Stadium, the Western Province Cricket & Hockey Club and UCT.
According to the City, more than 80 teams from 20 countries are taking part in the first-ever Master's Hockey World Cup on African soil. The City of Cape Town is one of the sponsors of the tournament.
Smith said: “Cape Town is proud to welcome all the players, team support staff and their families to the Mother City.
“The World Masters Hockey World Cup represents the pinnacle of competitive Masters Hockey and we are proud that our city gets to host the event’s first-ever edition on the African continent.”
“We know hosting major events contributes significantly to the economy through job creation, as well as opportunities for the tourism industry and this event will certainly do that.
“More importantly, for us is that events such as these leave a lasting legacy for residents and provide them with the necessary skills to use for their growth,” he said.
Smith said approximately 2 750 players and support staff are in Cape Town for the duration of the tournament.
“For the City, supporting events that contribute to the development of young people forms part of the broader strategy aimed at ensuring that the youth in Cape Town have opportunities.
“It is therefore encouraging to see that the South African Masters Hockey Association has attached development to the World Masters Hockey World Cup thereby casting an eye on the future,” he said.
The World Masters Hockey granted the SA Masters Hockey the right to host the 2022 edition in Cape Town for both men and women in the age categories: 45+, 50+, 55+ and 60+.
The tournament is taking place until Monday, October 10, 2022, and spectators can watch all games for free.
Further information on matches can be found here.