Ironman preparations
are on track
By Nangamso Mabindla
15 November 2007
ENTRIES for the gruelling Ironman 70.3 Triathlon are pouring in and Buffalo City is very happy with its preparations for the event. This is the word from the City's World Cup 2010 project manager, Roy Young.
Young, who is also responsible for the Ironman, said that there were already over 250 international entries for the swim, cycle and run event to be hosted in East London on 13 January.
"We are getting entries from local athletes as well, but at the moment I am not sure about the number. However, we are still short of volunteers and I want to appeal to people to make themselves available for this popular event."
At least 700 volunteers were needed to help clean the city and prepare it for the Ironman; some volunteers would help in other areas, including handing out water to competitors during the event.
"We also need the municipality to work hard to ensure that East London is ready to host international athletes and visitors. We need our beachfront to be clean, [and] the community services department will need to help us keep it clean."
Turning his attention to the readiness of the Orient Pool complex, Young said the City was spending R500 000 on upgrading the parking. "We are going all out to ensure that we will host an unforgettable event next year. We will also be talking to different stakeholders so that we all work together and host a successful event."
The City would also like to focus on the participation of disadvantaged athletes. "I would like the business fraternity [to sponsor] a development team as part of their social responsibility programme. Even though the Ironman is an expensive sport, we would like [it] to be as inclusive as possible."
To ensure that everyone is on board, the City and Triangle South Africa will host an information seminar on Wednesday, 21 November in East London, at which Triangle coaches will share training tips with interested athletes.
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