Cape Town Hosts Africa’s First Netball World Cup

Cape Town has been abuzz with excitement since it began hosting the first-ever Netball World Cup in Africa at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The tournament kicked off with eight thrilling games on Friday, and the city has fully embraced the spirit of netball, with a vibrant atmosphere both on the court and in the streets.

The Tournament

The prestigious tournament, which will continue until August 6th, 2023, began with an impressive victory by South Africa’s SPAR Proteas against Wales, among other games. The opening ceremony celebrated Africa and set the tone for a memorable 10-day event.

Cape Town’s Pride

Cape Town’s Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, expressed his pride in hosting the historic event, stating, “We pride ourselves on putting our best into everything that we do.”

Safety Measures

The City of Cape Town has made a commitment to ensuring the safety of everyone involved. The city is a funding partner and a key player in the integrated safety and security planning of the event. Traffic services, metro police, law enforcement, disaster risk management, and fire and rescue have all been deployed to work alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS) in guaranteeing a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved.

Fan Park and Public Viewing Areas

For those who cannot secure tickets for the games, the city has established a Netball World Cup Fan Park outside the CTICC. The Fan Park is free, and attractions include live entertainment, netball exhibition games, a kid’s corner, daily giveaways, and a food court with outdoor seating, snacks, hot beverages, and a beer garden. Additionally, the city has set up four Public Viewing Areas (PVAs) across Cape Town, where residents can enjoy the games comfortably with refreshments, snacks, and local entertainment available for purchase at affordable rates.

Embracing Netball Fever

Cape Town’s hosting of the Netball World Cup has undoubtedly captured the attention of the sporting world, with the Mother City showcasing its ability to stage a world-class event while celebrating the beauty and diversity of the African continent. As the games continue, it is evident that the city and its people will continue to embrace the netball fever and revel in the excitement that this historic event brings.