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News Archive - May 2010

14 May 2010

Sporting celebrities aim to hit cancer for six

Cricket legend Dave Callaghan heads an illustrious list of sporting stars that will participate in a celebrity sixes cricket tournament in aid of the Cancer Association of South Africa in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, May 15.

Callaghan’s association with the event, said organiser Laurence Finn, was natural given his successful return to the game after being diagnosed with cancer in the mid-nineties.

The all-rounder will be joined by 35 other sporting legends and current stars, including cricketers Pat Symcox and Meyrick Pringle, rugby player Chad Alcock, athletics star Okkert Brits and swimmer Roland Schoeman.

“It’s going to be a really nice event. The way it’s structured gives everyone an opportunity,” said Callaghan, once the holder of the highest one-day international score for South Africa.

“The mix of national and local celebrities will give the tournament the exposure it needs to succeed in its goal. It is also a recipe for fun.”

As a cancer survivor, Callaghan believed he had an important role to play in motivating and inspiring those affected by the disease.

“When you see people who have overcome it participating in sports, it serves as an inspiration to sufferers and anyone else affected by it. It is important to show that cancer can be beaten.”

The event, which is modelled on the famous Hong Kong Sixes, will take place on a purpose-built pitch at New Horizon Village off Old Cape Road (just past Rowallan Park).

Finn said they hoped to recreate the atmosphere found in village cricket tournaments in Britain where locals go to their village green to watch superstars in action.

He said the rules of the Celebrity 6s -- the event’s official name -- were fairly straightforward and have been designed to give all players a chance to participate.

“In each match, two teams of six players will each face five overs. Every fielder bowls one over and batsmen can only score a maximum of 31 runs.”

Finn said an average game lasted about 40 minutes and a roaming master of ceremonies would interview players during matches.

“This is a fun, spectator friendly event incorporating world-class sportsmen. Just imagine the scene when Pat Symcox bowls to Okkert Brits while Roland Schoeman keeps wicket.”

Callaghan said he was looking forward to taking on the “other” sporting stars. “It’s always funny to see how they handle a bat and ball. I’ve seen some of the biggest and toughest rugby players run away from a cricket ball.”

The teams -- branded Atlas Security, BondChoice, Eastern Cape Motors, Imison, New Horizon Village and Radisson Blu -- will be selected by lucky draw at the VIP function at the Radisson Blu hotel the evening before the event.

“Each sponsor will draw one name from each of six boxes containing the names of captains, local cricketers, national rugby stars, local rugby players, sporting legends and local legends,” said Finn.

The tournament runs from 8am to 5pm and a donation will be asked at the gate. A beer tent and other festivities will complement the cricket.

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10 May 2010

Africa must show it wants the Olympics

IOC president Jacques Rogge says Africa needs to show it wants the Olympics, and a candidate must come forward soon if the continent is to host the 2020 Games.

Rogge said on Wednesday that Africa's chances of hosting the Olympics for the first time would depend on the country's willingness to back its bid.

"I would hope the (African) candidate will come as soon as possible," Rogge said. "But that would be at the earliest, if the city is successful, for the 2020 Games."

When quizzed about a possible African bid, Rogge said South Africa's campaign to host the World Cup was an example of how a country should pitch for a major event.

After South Africa's attempt to host the 2004 Olympics in Cape Town failed in 1997, the country focused on hosting the 2010 World Cup, Rogge said, and ultimately won the bid.

Rogge is in Kenya for a three-day visit. He opened the world's first Olympic Youth Development Center in Zambia on Tuesday.

It is thought Africa, and maybe South Africa, will launch a bid to host the Summer Games in 2020. South Africa's east coast city Durban will stage the 123rd IOC session in 2011, where the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympics will be announced.

Rogge also said he has no concerns about the change of government in Britain having any negative effect on the 2012 London Games.

He said it is standard practice for the IOC to hold talks with both the government and opposition parties in a country that may see a political change before an Olympics.

London and Rio de Janeiro, in 2016, are the next Olympic hosts.

The city chosen to organise the 2020 Olympic Games will be announced in 2013. Durban, Cape Town and Rabat in Morocco have been touted as possible African candidates.

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