By Nangamso Mabindla
31 July 2007

THERE was a party mood in East London when Buffalo City and Triangle South Africa signed an agreement for the hosting of the Ironman 70.3 triathlon in January next year.

The signing of the contract between the two parties confirmed the Eastern Cape as the Ironman capital of Africa, with Nelson Mandela Metro hosting the full Ironman event for the past three years. Ironman, the fastest growing sport in the world, is a swim, cycle and run event that attracts athletes and spectators from all over the world.

Held at Orient Beach, where the triathlon will be held, the signing was attended by City officials, its business partners and representatives of the Triangle team. Speaking at the ceremony, Buffalo City Mayor Zintle Peter said she was happy to be part of the process that would ensure that the city hosted a successful Ironman 70.3.

"It was less than three weeks ago that I led a small delegation to Austria to hear that we had been awarded [the hosting of] the Ironman 70.3 in Buffalo City. I said then to our hosts in Austria that Buffalo City prided itself on being the sports tourism destination of choice in South Africa," Peter said.

In the past few years, the city has hosted a number of major sporting events, including international cricket and rugby, yachting competitions, national aquatic competitions and softball.

Peter said the city was also positioning itself to be part of the 2010 Fifa World Cup™. "One step along this road is for us to host the best Ironman 70.3 that has yet been held. I am confident that we are up to the task, and if we all play our part in supporting each other to achieve our common goal, it will be an event to remember," Peter said.

Triangle's representative, Mandla Madwarha, said that the growth of the full Ironman in Nelson Mandela Metro forced the organisers to consider Buffalo City to host the half Ironman. "We are excited about the decision and the City has not disappointed us. [It has] able to make a quick decision and it has been a pleasure working with the municipality."

He called for a good working relationship between the Ironman organisers, Triangle and the city. "We have various obligations but I'm sure we'll make the best out of Ironman. We need to work together to be successful. Everything is already in place and we ready for Ironman."

Peter and Madwarha put their signatures on the agreement. The Ironman is expected to bring to the city 20 000 spectators, a thousand athletes, 2 500 guests travelling with athletes, 600 volunteers and 50 journalists covering the event.