1 The 8 th All Africa Games Abuja, Nigeria 4 –19 October 2003

2 Introduction: Background info A Project Committee consisting of two representatives from each Macro structure i.e. SACGA, NOCSA, DISSA and Sport Commission was charged with the task to oversee this project. Its preparation working meetings started early 2001-led by the SASC through its COO, Mr Ngwenya as the Project Coordinator. He was later replaced by Dan Moyo who is now leading the Project.

3 Preparation process Since these Games are under the auspices of the Supreme Council of Sport in Africa, the participation of countries can only be confirmed through our Minister of Sport and Recreation, which he indeed did early in We then started the process of meeting individual sports federation one on one to discuss terms of agreement regarding team selection guidelines and participation of qualified Managers & Coaches. All Appointees of the NFs had to undergo a vigorous training programme in preparing them for team Management.

4 Preparation process cont. Stakeholder’s meeting with the COJA,SCSA,UCSA and ANOCA was held in to and the last one in Feb To finalise the Sports Programme and technical rules and regulations. Our Minister attended the last meeting in February 2003, together wit the SASC delegation who were also on the pre-inspection visit to all venues and accommodation outside the Athletes Village. Our High Commissioner Mr Bhekumzi Sifingo has been very helpful in mobilizing both human resource and logistical support for the team preparation.

5 Preparation process cont. Mr Lunga Bengu, third Secretary in his office has now been formally appointed to Team SA as our attaché in Abuja. His main duties being liaison with both SASC and COJA now and during the Games. Team Selection process has now been completed, all the 21 sports code met the required criteria that was agreed prior to them going out to campaign for final selection by the Project Committee.

6 It is also pleasing that the demographics of Team SA for these Games has improved from the previous ones with over 43% historically disadvantaged athletes and 67% within the team management constituting the 500 strong delegation. Through the efforts of the SASC’s CEO and our Minister of Sports and Recreation we have managed to raise R11 million from the Lotto Sport and Recreation Distribution Agency and R2 million from SRSA for step out gear and to contribute towards transport. Preparation process cont.

7 Out of the lean budget of R15million, we have been rescued by SAA who only recently agreed to sponsor an additional charter flight for R3,6 million and we will carry the other one from the team’s budget. We are providing the team with the most basic clothing-very smart and attractive feel. We have recently launched the team apparel with the look & feel which was chosen from the top three Sports clothing manufacturers.

8 Hospitality (A home away from home) Ekhaya Hospitality Programme which is a programme meant for entertainment, meeting, networking and promoting SA products during the Games will be hosted at the new Abuja Protea Hotel. This will be acting as a nerve centre for activities of both partners of Team SA and visiting dignitaries, guests of the Minister & High Commissioner. Major companies from RSA doing business in Nigeria will also be exhibiting and co-hosting a business luncheon where targeted captains of industry will be invited.

9 Ekhaya Department of Foreign Affairs, SRSA, Arts and Culture, DTI and Tourism SA have also put their weight behind the “Ekhaya” project” Broadcast of the Games will be done through SABC TV SPORT and Radio transmission. Unfortunately in mid June, we lost our Chef De Mission, Ms Kedi Tshoma after a short illness. We have since appointed Ms Gogo Manqoyi as head of delegation (deputy Chef de Mission).

10 Preparation Process The team will assemble on 27 September 2003 and depart the following day directly to Abuja - as mentioned earlier we are Proudly South African and therefore flying in two SAA jumbo jets ( and ). Our Deputy Chef de Mission and Chief Medical Officer have recently returned from Abuja and have seen the last preparation and finalisation of the facilities by the Organising Committee. The facilities are superb and of the highest quality. All events would be hosted in Abuja except the Women and Men’s football matches which will be played in other states within Nigeria.

11 Preparation Process Our team will be looked after by a full contingent of doctors, physiotherapists, a sport psychologist and auxiliary administrative staff totaling thirty nine people. Preparation of teams and individual athletes continues under the watchful eye of our High Performance committee and its head Dr Sello Motaung.