The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is affirming itself as an international sporting destination of choice by kicking off 2023 with a bang with at least 10 national and international sports events scheduled to take place in the first quarter of the year.
“The socio-economic spinoffs expected from these events are at an estimated value of more than R200 million with the accommodation, transport and small and big businesses set to get a major boost as there will be spending on services and products procured in Nelson Mandela Bay,” said NMBM Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Mayoral Committee Member, Cllr Bassie Kamana.
From international cricket action, to cycling, surfing and athletics, NMB is working around the clock to welcome thousands of visitors from this month, which will give a boost to the hospitality industry and see millions of Rands generated in NMB.
NMB is buzzing with excitement in preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup matches that will take place at the St George’s Park in Gqeberha. The matches will take place 14 February to 20 February featuring South Africa, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, and Ireland.
The NMBM sponsored Herald Cycle Tour, will make a comeback with the mountain biking race taking place in Addo on 12 February, followed by the main road cycling race on 19 February.
Another NMBM sponsored sport event, the Nedbank Runified 50km race which has been awarded gold status from the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) as well as Elite label from World Athletics for 2023, will see hundreds of national and international top athletes competing in Gqeberha on 26 February to set new records and win their share of the total prize of R1million.
“We have a jam-packed sports calendar and our residents can look forward to great entertainment,” said Cllr Kamana.
The much-anticipated Ironman 70.3 and Ironman African Championships will take place from 4-5 March while the SA Lifesaving Championships will take place from 30 March – 5 April 2023.
NMB Surf Pro taking place – March 18 to 19
ABSA Run Your City Gqeberha race – April 2
SA Open of Surfing – May 12 to 14
NMBM ASA half Marathon Champs – June 3
