Sport
Sporting in the Bay
Nelson Mandela Bay is the playing field for a variety of sport, hosting arenas for both the professional and the amateur. The Bay is home to the state-of-the art multipurpose Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium as well as the prestigious St Georges cricket ground. Various national and international sporting events take place here ranging from watersport such as the Ocean Racing Series and the River Mile to The Herald Cycle Tour and then of course the famous Ironman South Africa (now Ironman Africa). Many sporting champions such as Raynard Tissink and Okkert Brits call Nelson Mandela Bay home. So whether you are a competitor or spectator, Nelson Mandela Bay is the place to be for all the action and the love of the game!
Rugby
Eastern Cape Rugby has received a facelift in the past year changing their name to the Eastern Province Kings (or EP Kings) punting their team for the Super 15 under the Southern Kings name. The Bay saw the battle between the Southern Kings and the British Lions in 2009 at the multi-purpose Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The Bay is sure to host more international Rugby events with the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium already having hosted a variety of International rugby tests as well as being the host of the IRB international sevens South Africa leg for 4 years. Various local Rugby clubs in the area allow for semi-professional and amateur players to participate. The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is now home to EP Rugby.
For a list of the home and away fixtures click here or for more info visit: www.easternprovincerugby.co.za
Cricket
St Georges Cricket Ground has been playing host to sporting events since 1859 and today still remains home to the second oldest cricket club in South Africa as well as the oldest cricket club to play from the same venue. South Africa's first rugby and cricket tests were played at this prestigious venue. EP Ameteurs, EP Jumbo’s and the Chevrolet Warriors, all call Nelson Mandela Bay home. St Georges hosts a variety of international tournaments drawing fans from around world to the friendly city. The IPL T20 was promptly moved to South Africa from India, as it was one of the top venues to host a large event at short notice, with the Bay hosting some of the games.
For more information visit: www.stgeorgespark.co.za or http://www.chevroletwarriors.co.za/
Soccer
Nelson Mandela Bay was one of the proud host cities for the 2010 FIFA World CupTM hosting games between Greece, South Korea, Portugal, Ivory Coast, Slovenia, England, Chile, Switzerland, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Serbia. The Bay also hosted the third/fourth play-off game between Germany and Uruguay. The state of the art Nelson Mandela Bay stadium is sure to host more national and international games in the future, in the meantime soccer enthusiasts can be seen playing on the beaches of the Bay. Nelson Mandela Bay is also proud hosts off the Premier Soccer League team Chippa United and hosts various PSL games.
See www.chippautdfc.co.za for more info.
Ocean Racing Series
Started in January 2006, the Ocean Racing Series is one of the largest beachfront events in Africa and is unique to Nelson Mandela Bay, Africa's water sport capital.
OPEN TO ALL, the Series offers an opportunity for open water swimmers, fun runners, walkers and ocean paddlers to come together on a fortnightly basis in summer to take part in a world class fun event - without the requirement of expensive equipment or specialist skills
For more information visit: www.oceanracingseries.com
Ironman South Africa
Set in the spectacular Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch), an exciting holiday destination that features beautiful beaches and a wide range of nature and wildlife attractions, the Ironman South Africa triathlon became an amazing addition to the Ironman family of races when it was moved up to a full Ironman distance event in 2005. The event has now grown to become a qualifier race and also known as Ironman Africa.
The race is like no other in many other ways. The African dancers and musicians entertain not only at the pasta party and awards ceremony - they are on hand for the race start and at the finish line, too.
The two-loop swim at the Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa triathlon starts at Hobie Beach - one of the many beautiful beaches here in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The bike course is made up of three 60km loops that will take you along the scenic coast and wrap you in its splendour.
The run (3 loops) links up with the cycle route taking you through crowds of cheering spectators as you make your way to the prestigious Finish Line for your moment of glory.
For more information visit: http://www.ironmansouthafrica.com
The Herald Cycle Tour
The Herald Cycle Tour is an annual cycle race held in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It features both 105 km and 46 km road race events.The Herald was started in 1986 by Rob Rudman, Peter Dickason and Tony Lutz. The first Herald Cycle Tour in 1986 had 350 competitors, by 2007 there were over 3500 cyclists competing in the event.
For more information visit: http://www.heraldcycletour.co.za
Algoa Bay Tuna Classic
The annual Algoa Bay Tuna Classic is organised and hosted by the Port Elizabeth Deep Sea Angling Club (PEDSAC) and is one of the highlights on the South African Fishing competitions calendar!
Deep Sea Boats from all over the Eastern Cape and from around the country enter this multi day fishing extravaganza to "Hunt the Yellowfin Tuna".
For more info see http://www.pedsac.co.za/
River Mile
South Africa and Africa's oldest open water swimming event takes place in Nelson Mandela Bay annually.
For more information visit: http://www.redhouserivermile.co.za/
Thoroughbred Horse Racing
Port Elizabeth has two major horseracing racecourses, namely Arlington and Fairview, which is managed and maintained by Phumelela East Cape. Racing takes place at either course every Friday afternoon. read more...
for more information visit: www.phumelela.com
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