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Mens world softball championships
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Speeches and Media Releases
 Sports, Arts Culture

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 EASTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
 SPEECH  BY MEC MRS NOSIMO BALINDLELA
AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF 10th MENS WORLD SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
IN THE CITY OF EAST LONDON
6 JULY 2000



His worship the Mayor of East London, Mr Nazo
 The Deputy Mayor, Mr Halley, Honourable Councillors
 The President of ISF Don Porter
 The Secretary General of ISF Andy Loucher
 The President of Softball South Africa, Mr Ramovha
 Team Managers,
 Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen

The City of East London Mr Mayor seems as if recently, it has struck the right chord in putting this city on the World Stage. Recently you 
hosted a rugby international against Canada, the surfing Championships have just been completed and now we have this World Softball 
tournament. It is a development that bodes well for our city as a budding destination for sport tourism. It is a development that seeks to 
put to optimum use the facilities that are found in the city center, to boost the economy of the region and thereby opening up needed job 
opportunities.

I wish to salute Mr Porter and the ISF executive for allowing our city to host an event of such international status. It is a gesture that 
will make the small rural cities like ours to really feel as part of the global village. You could not have chosen a better venue that this 
one.

We have already seen the impact of bringing this event to these parts of South Africa. It will greatly contribute to the development of the 
sport in the Eastern Cape. The coaching clinics conducted by Simunye our national team are appreciated. I hope Mr Ramovha that what has 
been sown in the villages and townships will be sustained. Perhaps you will suggest to President Don Porter that because they will be 
taking back lots of biltong and other mementos in order for them to have in their luggages more space they better leave behind their mitts, 
bats and other equipment that will be put into use in the areas. I am hopeful that long lasting relationships have been built by our city 
and other international teams so that the sport of softball thrives in our province and South Africa in general.

I must on behalf of the province thank Minister Ngconde Balfour and the National Sports Commission for making this tournament a reality. 
The local businesses have also played a tremendous role in making sure that we are about to witness the finest display of Softball skills. 
I saw the assistance given by Inkwenkwezi to the arriving teams. Your gesture is highly appreciated.

Lastly I wish all teams good luck during the tournament. I must say that when we host an international tournament the country has won the 
laurels so New Zealand forget about retaining your title – it will remain behind come Friday.

I thank you.

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