By Nangamso Mabindla

The logo for next year's South African Games - unveiled at an official function in the East London City Hall this week to launch the event - reflect both the country and Buffalo City, said Councillor Sindiswa Gomba, chairperson of the Games.

The logo depicts a buffalo's head with the colours of the South African flag. An image of an athlete is at the centre.

"We used a buffalo's head because we are known as Buffalo City. The national colours capture the spirit of the Games as the athletes will be representing the country," said Ms Gomba.

The event was attended by Eastern Cape Premier Makhenkesi Stofile, MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture Nosimo Balindlela, Executive Mayor Sindisile Maclean, representatives from the South African Sports Commission (SASC) and the area's business leaders.

The games will be held in the city from March 22 next year.

Inspectors from the sports commission were taken on a tour of the city earlier in the day to inspect the venues. Joe Phaahla, the chief executive of the commission, said he had been impressed by what he had seen.

"I was pleasantly surprised at how ready Buffalo City is for the games," he said, adding that it was encouraging that the organisers were taking the event seriously.

Phaahla said it was imperative that the games be a success as that would mean a great future for sports in South Africa.

"The games are aimed at identifying the South Africa's finest talent so that, one day, they will become sports' ambassadors," he said. "This, in turn, will encourage other youngsters to participate in sport and use it as a tool to escape poverty."

Councillor Maclean assured guests at the launch that the Games would be a success.

"The South African Games will showcase Buffalo City. It is not the first time we will hosting a prestigious event as we have hosted matches for the Cricket World Cup, but we would like this event to stay in people's minds," the mayor said.

The effect of the Games would extend beyond the borders of Buffalo City, Councillor Maclean said.

Ms Balindlela said the event would put the province on show. The rest of South Africa would discover that the Eastern Cape was capable of hosting prestigious sporting events, she added.

In his keynote address, Premier Stofile said he was proud that Buffalo City had prepared well for the Games and wished the city all success.

The success of the Games was not only going to influence the sport in the region, but also business.

"Our businesses and tourism are going to be exposed for all to see. Visitors will enjoy the warmth of our people and might see business opportunities in the area," Premier Stofile said. "Let the Games begin," he concluded.