Tangible excitement at the 2011 Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa Press Launch
18 March 2011
This year welcomes the all new Iron Girl South Africa Fun Run alongside the Vodacom Corporate Triathlon Challenge powered by Algoa FM, the Pritt Ironkids and ultimately culminating in the pinnacle of endurance sports, the Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa 2011.
The stage is set for one amazing ‘Iron’ weekend. An event that the City of Nelson Mandela Bay has supported since the very beginning was once again top of the agenda by all present. “Welcome all to our beautiful City; welcome to Nelson Mandela Bay” were the words of Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Councillor Wayile Zanoxolo. The Honourable Mayor went on to highlight the splendid exposure that the event brings to the region and was once again excited to get behind. “We are here, building a better world through this race and it is a privilege to host such an international event” said Councillor Zanoxolo.
The anticipation was rife with the Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa 2011 mere weeks away. This year’s event boasts a tantalizing PRO field and diverse range of athletes coming from 39 different nations from across the world. 2009 Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa champion, Marino Vanhoenacker, was in attendance as he is back to regain the title. “It is amazing that in this current financial climate that athletes have still flocked from all over the world to take part” said Bryan.Dowley, CEO of Spec-Savers. “It is one of the best PRO fields in a single race in the world and it’s a privilege to watch it grow year after year,” said Keith Bowler, Managing Director of Ironman South Africa who also echoed the importance of the sponsors and of course the support of the City.
The Iron Girl South Africa Fun Run will kick this jam packed weekend off on Friday 8 April 2011 at 4pm. This will be only the second ever event of its kind in Africa, as the ladies will flock together in their numbers to take part in this10km fun run. “I’ll probably end up with pink hair again” exclaimed announcer Paul Kaye who was in the thick of things during the very first Iron Girl in East London in January.
The Ironman weekend is not complete without the Vodacom Corporate Triathlon Challenge powered by Algoa FM on 9 April 2011 at 8am. A tenth of the full Ironman, but definitely not a tenth of the excitement as corporate teams, school teams and individuals take on the challenge. “It’s good to be here and a privilege to be part of this event” said Wanda Matandela, Managing Executive of Vodacom Eastern Region. Matandela touched on the raw emotion and spirit that is always evident at this event. These sentiments were duly echoed by Algoa FM’s Alfie Jay saying: “Being the official broadcaster is an honour.”
Finishing off the curtain raisers is the ever popular Pritt Ironkids on 9 April 2011 at 1pm. “It’s the cutest race ever” said Vivienne Murray, Marketing Manager of Henkel South Africa. “This event is building up these kids to take part in other sporting events when they’re older” said Murray. We eagerly look forward as these Ironmen and women of the future show us their mettle in what is the world’s biggest Ironkids event with 1000 kids taking part.
The 2011 Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa Press Launch was a thoroughly enjoyed by all and gave those in attendance the chance to share in the excitement and hype of an event weekend that will undoubtedly engulf Nelson Mandela Bay in a most positive way. So whether you are taking part in the Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa, the Vodacom Corporate Triathlon Challenge, Pritt Ironkids, Iron Girl South Africa Fun Run, or just want to be there to soak up the atmosphere, Nelson Mandela Bay is where it’s at come the weekend of 8 April 2011.
Author: Ivaan De Klerk
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