Netball World Cup 2023 Logo

NWC Big Ball Competition – Terms and Conditions

11 JULY – 06 AUGUST 2023

  1. Competition Rules
  1. This promotional competition (“Competition”) is organized and run by Accelerate Sport SA PTY Ltd on behalf of Telkom SA SOC Ltd (Registration Number 1991/005476/30); Performance Brands (PTY) LTD (Registration Number 2005/020507/07) and the SPAR Group LTD (Registration Number 1967/001572/06).
  1. By entering this Competition all participants agree to abide by the following competition rules:
  • Competition Period
  • The Competition will run from 11 July 2023 to 6 August 2023, encompassing all days in between.
  • Who is eligible to win a prize
  • Persons (“Participants”) interested in entering the Competition must:
  • be a natural person;
  • be between 18 (eighteen) years or older or have permission of a responsible adult aged 18 or over;
  • have participated in the Competition as per clause 4 below during the Competition Period.
  • Employees of the Telkom, SPAR and Gilbert Group and their immediate families, advertising and promotion agencies, distribution partners, associated companies, and outlet owners and their immediate families and staff associated with this Competition are not allowed to enter the Competition.
  • Mechanics
  • To be considered for spot instant prizes, participants must upload a photo or video of themselves with the Big Replica Netball Ball at the V&A Waterfront and post it on one of their social media pages (Facebook/Instagram/Twitter/TikTok) with the hashtag #PUTYOURHANDSUP and tagging Netball South Africa.
  • To be considered for Grand Prize of double tickets to the Final of the 2023 Netball World Cup on the 6th of August in Cape Town. Participants must upload a photo or video of themselves with the Big Replica Netball Ball at the V&A Waterfront and post it on their social media pages (Facebook/Instagram/Twitter/TikTok) with the hashtag #PUTYOURHANDSUP whilst tagging Netball South Africa. The best photos will enter into the random draw which will take place on 2 August 2023 at 12:00.

Entries for this Competition will only be accepted if they comply with the Competition mechanics.

  • PRIZES
  • GRAND PRIZE
  • A winner will win 1 (one) set comprising of two tickets to watch the Final of the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town.
  • The Winner will be selected on 2 August 2023 at 12:00 by a random draw at the V&A Waterfront Activation Stand in the view of the general public.
  • The draw will consist of daily selected photos compliant with tournament mechanics. The best photo will be selected by a panel of judges made up of the members of staff from Gilbert, SPAR and Telkom.
  • The Winner will be notified via their social media pages and tickets will be emailed to them within 1 (one) day after confirming their details.
  • Winners will need to respond with their requested details within 2 (two) days of being notified, thereafter, the prize will be forfeited and awarded to the next runner-up winner.
  • Should you be chosen as winner, you can choose to decline to have your name, photographic images or video used for the purpose of marketing and publicity campaigns.
  • Winners will be responsible for any costs and/or expenses which the winner, or any participant, may incur during and for the purposes of entering the Competition, similarly, Winners will be responsible for charges associated with a winner accepting and/or using a prize.
  • The competition winner will be responsible for ensuring travel, accommodation and covering any and/all expenses incurred in order to attend the game they have been awarded tickets to. If they are unable to cover these costs, they are encouraged to forfeit their prize so it may be awarded to a runner up winner.
  • Failure to respond and/or provide an address for delivery, or failure to meet the

eligibility requirements may result in forfeiture of the prize.

  • General
  • The rules of the Competition may be amended at any time during the Competition Period with reasonable notification and once such amended rules are published will be deemed as accepted.
  • All rules will be interpreted and applied at the sole discretion of Gilbert, SPAR and Telkom.
  • Participants take part in the Competition at their own risk and Accelerate Sport, Gilbert, SPAR and Telkom bear no responsibility for any loss, damage or harm suffered as a result of the participation and/or acceptance and/or use of a prize, or any aspect thereof.
  • Accelerate Sport, Gilbert, SPAR and Telkom reserves the right to cancel the Competition at any time, if deemed necessary in its opinion or if circumstances arise that are outside of its control, and will not be liable to Participants in such event for any cause or action whatsoever.
  • Any violation or attempt to violate any of these rules will result in the immediate disqualification of the transgressor with or without notice.
  • The announcement of a winner does not constitute a ruling by Accelerate Sport, Gilbert, SPAR and Telkom that the winner has complied with these rules. Accelerate Sport, Gilbert, SPAR and Telkom may disqualify a participant after the announcement, should any rule transgressions be discovered. The Winners will be randomly selected from all entries received within the Competition Period. The judge’s decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
  • A copy of these terms and conditions can be found at www.acceleratesport.com throughout the period of the Competition.
  • The terms and condition applicable to this Competitions will be construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the applicable laws of the Republic of South Africa.
  • The competition shall be bound and obliged to adhere to the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 relating to the processing and protection of personal information. All data and information shared shall be utilized and restricted to the promotional activities only and bound to the promotional period.
  • In the event of a discrepancy between these standard terms and conditions and the details in the promotional material (or any other terms and conditions provided/referred to at the time of entry), the details of the promotional material (and any other terms and conditions provided/referred to at the time of entry) shall prevail.
  • The prizes are as stated, are not transferable to another individual and no cash or

other alternatives will be offered.

Growthpoint Squash SA Renewal

GROWTHPOINT AND SQUASH SOUTH AFRICA RENEW SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT

Johannesburg, South Africa – Growthpoint Properties, the largest South African-based REIT, and Squash South Africa, the governing body for squash in the country, are pleased to announce the renewal of their sponsorship agreement for 2023.

The partnership between Growthpoint and Squash South Africa began in 2017 and has been instrumental in supporting the development of squash in the country. As part of the agreement, Squash SA is able to host the Growthpoint SA Nationals in the iconic the V&A Waterfront, with the event set to return to the venue in August 2023.

Growthpoint also provides financial support for the Growthpoint Interprovincial as well as a development programme titled the Growthpoint Superstars which supports various initiatives across the country aimed at promoting the sport and developing talent in South Africa.

The renewed sponsorship agreement will enable Squash South Africa to expand the Growthpoint Superstars programme to all nine provinces in 2023. This follows the successful trial of the programme from three provinces in 2018, and having grown to six provinces in 2022. The programme will aim to develop new talent and promote the sport to a wider audience.

“We are delighted to renew our partnership with Squash South Africa,” said Estienne de Klerk, Growthpoint Properties SA CEO. “We are proud to support the development of local talent and the growth of the sport of Squash in communities across South Africa.”

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Growthpoint,” said Kyle Potgieter, President of Squash South Africa. “Their support has been invaluable in helping us achieve our goals of promoting squash and developing our players. We look forward to working together to take the sport to new heights.”

“We have seen that the growth of Padel, which is a sport that shares similarities with squash, has actually resulted in an increased interest in squash. People are discovering the fast-paced and exhilarating nature of racquet sports, and we are thrilled to see more and more individuals and communities taking an interest in squash and recognizing its many benefits.”

About Growthpoint Properties:

Growthpoint creates space to thrive with innovative and sustainable property solutions in environmentally friendly buildings, while improving the social and material wellbeing of individuals and communities. It is an international property company invested in real estate and communities in South Africa and across the African continent, Australia, the UK and Eastern Europe. Growthpoint is 50% co-owner of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Growthpoint is South Africa’s largest primary JSE-listed REIT. The leading listed property company is an established leader in commercial green developments and owns and manages the biggest portfolio of green-certified buildings in Africa. Visit growthpoint.co.za for more information, and connect with Growthpoint on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

About Squash South Africa:

Squash South Africa is the governing body for squash in South Africa. Its directive is to promote and develop the sport of squash at all levels, from grassroots to elite competition in South Africa. Squash South Africa is committed to providing opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to participate in the sport and to representing South Africa on the international stage.

Contact Information:

For more information about Squash South Africa, please contact:

Jennifer Sawyer, National Director

Email: jennifer@squashsa.co.za

Phone: +27 11 442 8056

For more information about Growthpoint Properties, please contact:

Nadine Briers, Head, Marketing & Communication

Phone: +27 (0) 11 944 6251

Email: Bronwen Noble, bronwen@catchwords.co.za

2021 City Surf Series Cancelled

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Tuesday, August 31, 2021) – The World Surf League (WSL) Africa and Accelerate Sport announced the cancellation of the City Surf Series scheduled to start in October 2021. Organisers Accelerate Sport said with the current lockdown restrictions in South Africa, the decision was made with the safety of the athletes and public in mind.

The City Surf Series would have hosted WSL Qualifying Series (QS) events in South Africa, with surfers competing in Port Alfred, Nelson Mandela Bay, George, Richards Bay and Cape Town.

Accelerate Sport will work together with the WSL and Surfing South Africa (SSA) to reschedule the series for 2022.



“Due to the constantly evolving situation with COVID-19 cases and restrictions, the safety of our athletes, event staff, and fans remain paramount. It’s extremely disappointing for everyone involved, but we are already working on an exciting calendar of WSL Qualifying Series events in Africa for 2022,” said WSL Africa Regional Manager Colin Fitch.

CEO of Accelerate Sport, Daniel Quinta stated, “It was a difficult decision to make as the local surfing community has been starved for events over the past 18 months. No event organizer wishes to ever cancel or postpone an event, however, having consulted with our partners, we feel this is the correct decision for all involved. We want to thank our partners for sticking with us and for understanding the situation we are in. We have set our sights on 2022 with the aim of making it the best year yet and providing the athletes with the opportunity to become the next Bianca Buitendag.”

The City Surf Series has grown from strength to strength since it launched in 2016, with 19 athletes that participated in the Tokyo Olympics having competed in the series over the years.

Vic Bay Surf Pro Classic

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY BACKS LOCAL SURFER, BIANCA BUITENDAG FOR THE 2020 TOKYO OLYMPIC GAMES

George Municipality has partnered with local, soon- to be- Olympian, Bianca Buitendag, a surfer who has qualified for the upcoming global event, in her quest to win a medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games. This partnership shall see the municipality support the Victoria Bay born and raised Bianca Buitendag in her preparation for the Olympic Games set for 23 July to 8 August 2021 in Japan. Owing to the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the municipality decided to support and extend financial assistance to the local superstar in their bid to support local talent, while at the same time promoting the destination as a premier surfing destination.

Bianca is a well-seasoned surfer who has been competing on the World Surfing League (WSL) Championship Tour from 2013 to 2019 as South Africa’s top female surfer. In 2019 she was the captain of the South African team at the International Surfing Association (ISA) 2019 World Championships where she finished 3rd (Bronze) and subsequently qualified for the Olympic Games together with Jordy Smith. Out of the water, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance & Accounting Management attained at North Eastern University in Boston, USA.

Surfing will be featuring in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games for the first time ever and South Africa shall be represented by Bianca and Jordy Smith.

Bianca will be an ambassador for George and a key asset in promoting George  as a tourist, and particularly a great surfing destination. George Municipality is situated in the Garden Route District of the Western Cape, often revered as “the Garden Route’s crown” owing to its majestic views and pristine beaches. The partnership will be the first of its kind for George Municipality, with the Olympic Games providing the perfect platform.

Commenting on the significance of this partnership, Bianca said, “Having grown up and raised in Victoria Bay, it’s an absolute privilege to represent my community and make them proud as I compete at the Olympic Games”. George offers some of the best surfing conditions owing to its high-performance waves at Victoria Bay and she hopes her efforts at the Olympics will be good enough to inspire young girls from across South Africa to pursue their dreams.

George Municipality will benefit from Bianca’s significant social media following along with her support for locally based charity initiatives. She is currently involved in several local projects and hopes to make a bigger impact working much more closely with the Municipality than ever before. “We look forward to partnering with Bianca to promote the town as an attractive tourist destination. Bianca’s profile and professionalism are exemplary to the kind of role models the town wishes to produce and inspire; we wish her all the best of luck at the Olympic Games”, says  Executive Mayor of George Municipality, Alderman Leon van Wyk. Commenting on the developments, Joan Shaw, George’s Tourism Manager remarked, “George is fortunate to have a high-calibre surfing beach and we are delighted that our waves have played a role leading up to Bianca competing at the Olympics, the pinnacle of her surfing career so far.  We are thrilled that a surfer at her level of influence will be promoting our destination to surfers worldwide as a preferred destination to enjoy the waves.  We wish her all the best as she competes – George is rooting for you!”

For further information, please contact:

Head of Sponsorships:            
Kudzi Nzombe – Accelerate Sport
+27 (0)736402029/021 671 7573
kudzi@acceleratesport.com

IMG_2367

SURFING SOUTH AFRICA ANNOUNCES MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH ACCELERATE SPORT

Surfing South Africa, the officially governing body for surfriding in South Africa, has renewed its long-term partnership with Accelerate Sport on a 4-year contract. The renewed agreement is a testament to the collaborative partnership the two organisations have had in the past and will continue going forward.

“The renewal of this contract is a significant vote of confidence in Accelerate Sport’s services and effectiveness over the years”, stated Robin de Kock, General Manager of Surfing South Africa. “Accelerate Sport has been a valued partner whose industry knowledge and experience has helped us evolve to stay on the forefront of the surfing industry in South Africa to date”.

Accelerate Sport has worked with and supported Surfing South Africa as the exclusive commercial and marketing agency since December 2016. The Cape Town-based marketing agency will continue to be responsible for the marketing strategies and activities to exploit Surfing South Africa’s commercial products. By extending this partnership, the agency will continue providing leading marketing capabilities and differentiated solutions to drive Surfing South Africa’s continued growth and success within South Africa.

Julia Camargo, Royal St Andrews Surf Classic 2019 – photo taken by Ian Thurtell

Daniel Quinta, CEO of Accelerate Sport, said in a statement, “We’ve had a great working relationship over the years with Surfing South Africa and we are very much looking forward to building on that relationship.” He added, “We believe by continuing and expanding on our existing relationship, we will only see more growth and success for surfing, despite the trials and tribulations we are all experiencing given the COVID-19 outbreak”.

Following the adjusted regulations by the Presidency, Accelerate Sport and Surfing South Africa will make the necessary announcements in light of the upcoming surfing activities for 2021.

For further information and updates, please contact surfingsouthafrica@gmail.com

About Surfing South Africa (SSA)

Surfing South Africa is the governing body for the sport in South Africa and is a member of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), the African Surfing Confederation (ASC) and the International Surfing Association (ISA).

About Accelerate Sport

Accelerate Sport and Entertainment is a results-driven marketing agency that focuses on effectively serving the best interest of clients and sponsors. With a collective 70 years of experience in sport and entertainment, Accelerate delivers integrated strategic solutions specialising in sponsorship rights, consultancy, event management, media and public relations.

For further information, please contact:

Media & PR: Katleho Mashego – Accelerate Sport
+27 (0) 63 224 0267
katleho@acceleratesport.com
www.acceleratesport.com

136631983_1042572236254726_6231904834593457015_o

ACCELERATE SPORT ANNOUNCES THE PASSING OF MANAGING DIRECTOR, GARY GRANT

It is with a sense of profound sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of our founding members and Managing Director, Gary Grant, as a result of Covid-19 related complications.

Gary always knew that to make the business flourish, we would need to build a strong and reliable team and the growth and success of the business is testament to that vision. Accelerate Sport is proud of its professional and competent team, which Gary built to ensure the highest levels of service to our clients and sponsors alike.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Songezo Nayo stated, “Working with our CEO, Daniel Quinta, we remain committed to continuing with Gary’s vision and ensuring that our professional engagement continues with all our respective partners”.

He further added, “Whilst we will miss Gary’s energy and insights, we are fully committed to ensuring the company fulfills its obligations without any disruptions. It is natural that you may have questions and we respectfully request that these questions are directed to our CEO, Daniel Quinta daniel@acceleratesport.com or 083 308 6682”.

Our offices are now open and we are ready for 2021 to work alongside you to make this another successful year.

IMG_2557

SQUASH RETURNS WITH REVAMPED TOURNAMENTS

Professional squash is back and set to resume this October with a revamped Growthpoint SA Nationals and Growthpoint Interprovincial.

The revamped Growthpoint SA Nationals will provide more squash players with the chance to compete in the tournament than ever before. The tournament will feature eight regional qualifier events across 8 provinces, with the winners qualifying for the main event. A minimum of 256 Men and 128 Women are expected to compete in the regionals.

The main event will be held in an all-glass squash court in Brooklyn Mall in Pretoria from 15 to 17 October 2020. Fourteen matches, from the quarter-finals to the finals, will be played across the men’s and women’s divisions. The winners will be crowned SA’s best squash players. All matches will be streamed live on the Squash South Africa Facebook and YouTube pages.

“Following the COVID-19 outbreak, we have had to reassess and adjust how we can best cater for our athletes. We are delighted to announce this new structure for the Growthpoint SA Nationals and we believe this model provides more opportunities to more athletes than ever before. We are extremely grateful to Growthpoint for their full support in this new format, as well as Tsogo Sun and Dunlop who have continued to support us,” said Squash South Africa Acting President, Jennifer Sawyer.

The Growthpoint Interprovincial has also undergone changes to prevent large gatherings of teams due to COVID-19 precautions. For the first time ever, different divisions will be played across the country, with Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Pietermaritzburg set to play hosts.

“We know our members have been anxious about whether the Growthpoint Interprovincial would go ahead this year. We believe this is the best possible compromise to ensure the tournament can go ahead in a safe and responsible manner. The heart and soul of the Interprovincial is in the coming together of people to play and bond, and we will aim to return the format back to normal in 2021,” added Ms Sawyer.

The tournaments will all be played according to the COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Strategy submitted by Squash South Africa and approved by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. The federation has worked closely with government to ensure the full compliance necessary to proceed.

Only the participating squash players, event staff and broadcast team will be allowed on-site in Brooklyn Mall. All participants will be screened prior to the start of each day. Security will ensure no gathering of crowds and safe social distancing. No spectators will be allowed at the tournaments as well as no hospitality.

“Our focus is to ensure that our athletes can compete in a safe and responsible manner. We will work to ensure that no athletes or staff will be compromised in any way,” said Ms Sawyer.

Tournament Schedule
• 1 – 4 October 2020: East London Pre Qualifier

• 8 – 11 October 2020: Regional Qualifiers
o North West, Northerns, Joburg, Western Province, Free State, Eastern Province, Border,Midlands, KwaZulu Natal.

• 15 – 17 October 2020: Growthpoint SA Nationals (Main Event)
o Brooklyn Mall, Pretoria

• 19 – 23 October 2020: Growthpoint Interprovincial
o Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Pietermaritzburg

About Accelerate Sport

Accelerate Sport and Entertainment is a results-driven marketing agency that focuses on effectively serving the best interest of clients and sponsors. With a collective 70 years of experience in sport and entertainment, Accelerate delivers integrated strategic solutions specialising in sponsorship rights, consultancy, event management, media and public relations.

About Squash South Africa

Squash South Africa is recognised as the South African national governing body of the sport of squash by SASCOC. Together with 138 other countries, Squash South Africa is affiliated to the World Squash Federation and abides by the WSF Rules of Squash for both singles and doubles.

For further information, please contact:

Squash SA: Liz Addison
+27 (0) 11 442 8056
liz@squashsa.co.za
www.squashsa.co.za

Media & PR: Katleho Mashego – Accelerate Sport
+27 (0) 63 224 0268
katleho@acceleratesport.com
www.acceleratesport.com

thumbnail_Image

ACCELERATE SPORT TEAM UP WITH LIVING HOPE TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

CAPE TOWN – In response to the global COVID-19 crisis, Accelerate Sport has joined forces with Living Hope, to feed the community during these challenging times.

Gary Grant, Managing Director of Accelerate Sport said,” As a result of the outbreak, many of our communities are struggling to feed their families. As we work tirelessly to help our impacted business and our clients overcome their own business challenges, it is equally important to reach out and help those in need”. He went on to say, “We are always looking for ways to connect with our communities and present a united front of hope, compassion and generosity”.

Living Hope, a non-profit organisation based in Cape Town, is actively devoted to combat poverty, hunger and illnesses throughout the Mother City, in conjunction with various Community Action Network groups. To help Living Hope organisation curb the issue of hunger, Accelerate Sport has volunteeredto provide much needed transportation needs, in helping meet the programme’s objectives.

On Friday mornings, Accelerate uses its vehicles that are sponsored VW Commercial Vehicles, to transport over 750kg of fresh vegetables from Observatory Brewery to the Living Hope premise. The vegetables get cleaned and chopped from Living Hope’s kitchen facilities and thereafter, get distributed on Monday mornings to a local brewery in Cape Town, Long Beach Brewery, which uses its vats to make nutritious soup for communities.

Accelerate Sport appeals to the public to get involved and donate to Living Hope in whatever way they can. To learn more about Living Hope’ commitment to the community and how you can donate, please visit www.livinghope.co.za

About Accelerate Sport

Accelerate Sport and Entertainment is a results-driven marketing agency that focuses on effectively serving the best interest of clients and sponsors. With a collective 70 years of experience in sport and entertainment, Accelerate delivers integrated strategic solutions specialising in sponsorship rights, consultancy, event management, media and public relations.

About Living Hope

Living Hope is a Christian non-profit organisation whose vision is to reach people for Christ, bringing hope and breaking the despair of poverty and disease. Living Hope undertakes community development through educational, social, income generation, and health related programmes; and plays a vital role in the prevention, care and treatment of people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses.

For further information, please contact:

Media & PR: Katleho Mashego – Accelerate Sport
+27 (0)63 224 0267
katleho@acceleratesport.com
www.acceleratesport.com

KERWIN NOEMDO - SHOT PUT ATHLETE

ACCELERATE SPORT LAUNCHES ATHLETE MANAGEMENT DIVISION

CAPE TOWN – The company aims to expand its operations to support the ambitions of local athletes.

Accelerate Sport, who are specialists in sport sponsorship, marketing and consultancy, announced on Tuesday that they have launched a full-service athlete management division. The company also announced their first two signings, WSL pro surfer, Bianca Buitendag, and Maties Parasport Sportsman of the Year in 2019, Kerwin Noemdo.

“The launch of our athlete management arm is a new chapter for Accelerate Sport. By leveraging our extensive network, experience and market knowledge, we want to elevate athletes’ careers on and off the field,” said Gary Grant, Managing Director of Accelerate Sport.

The short-term aim of the division will be to assist athletes on their path to the Olympics and Paralympic Games scheduled to be hosted in 2021, as well as working with athletes participating in niche sports. Accelerate’s work will include developing the athletes’commercial partnerships, PR, marketing, including their social media profiles.

“These athletes often struggle to generate the funds needed to take part in high-performance training and competitions. Our goal is to assist them in finding likeminded partners who can support them on their journey so they can focus on winning that gold medal”, Gary added.

Kerwin Noemdo’s track record includes participating in 3 World Para Athletics Championships. He currently holds the national shot put and discus records in all age groups (U/16, U/18, U/20 and Open Men) as well as the African Men’s record in the F46 category.

Bianca Buitendag is currently the highest ranked female surfer in South Africa and former world number four. She’s spent five years on the WSL World Championship Tour and has already qualified as South Africa’s female representative for the 2021 Olympic Games.

About Accelerate Sport

Accelerate Sport and Entertainment is a results-driven marketing agency that focuses on effectively serving the best interest of clients and sponsors. With a collective 70 years of experience in sport and entertainment, Accelerate delivers integrated strategic solutions specialising in sponsorship rights, consultancy, event management, media and public relations.

For further information, please contact:

Media & PR: Katleho Mashego – Accelerate Sport
+27 (0)63 224 0267
katleho@acceleratesport.com
www.acceleratesport.com

Nelson-Mandela-Bay-Surf-Pro_IanThurtell_Joshe-Faulkner2-1-1024x683

CITY SURF SERIES TO MAKE A RETURN IN 2021

CAPE TOWN – The City Surf Series, a fully private owned surfing property by Accelerate Sport, will be making its much anticipated return to the South African shores in 2021.

The Series is the biggest, annual series of its kind amongst professional surfing events in the world and was poised to kick start on the 11th of April 2020. Unfortunately, due to the global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and with the health and safety of all involved being top priority, it was decided that the best route would be to cancel the 2020 edition.

Accelerate Sport has been working in close co-operation with Surfing South Africa (SSA), World Surf League (WSL) and its respective partners to establish new dates to stage the tournament in 2021.

Gary Grant, MD of Accelerate Sport believes it was a responsible move to reschedule the series to next year, “We had previously hoped to delay the City Surf Series to later this year in anticipation that COVID-19 concerns might lessen. However, following continuous monitoring of health advisories and recent statements by WSL, Surfing SA and the government, it is safer for everyone concerned to move the series to 2021”.

Gary further added, “We are working on some exciting new ideas and additions for 2021 and we look forward to bringing together the surfing community in a healthy, safe and entertaining environment when the event returns next year. We would like to thank all our valuable partners who are supportive of the decision to move the series to 2021. Most importantly, our thoughts and sympathies are with all the families who have lost loved ones due to this pandemic”.

2021 provisional dates and venues:

• 3 – 5 April: Royal St. Andrews Hotel Port Alfred Classic

• 9 – 11 April: Nelson Mandela Bay Pro

• 16 – 18 April: George Vic Bay Classic

• 22 – 26 April: Cape Town Pro

• 12 – 16 June: VW SA Open of Surfing

In addition, plans are underway to secure events in Durban, Lambert’s Bay, the KZN South Coast and Mossel Bay – further details to follow.

Commenting on the legacy of the series in the world of surfing, Francisco Spinola, WSL Regional Director (Europe – Middle East and Africa) for EMEA said, “The City Surf Series has helped not only South Africa but the rest of the world to show how to run very successful series of smaller QS events back to back with great success. It has been the foundation of the resurgence of surfers from South Africa”. He concluded, “The international wins by David Van Zyl in Hawaii, Jordy Maree in Indonesia and Shane Sykes who came in 5th place in Morocco, has shown that a healthy domestic tour like the City Surf Series will go a long way to grow the level of surfing in the region”.

Robin de Kock, GM of Surfing South Africa said, “Surfing South Africa is disappointed that the City Series will not be taking place this year. The health and safety of the surfers, officials and spectators at Surfing South Africa sanctioned events is paramount and clearly the right decision has been taken. We look forward to working with all of our partners on the City Surf Series when it gets underway in early April next year”.

Accelerate Sport will continue to monitor the situation, with the priority being placed on the health and safety of athletes, officials, fans and the community at large.

To learn more, please visit www.citysurfseries.co.za

About City Surf Series

The City Surf Series is an Accelerate Sport owned and managed surfing property. Accelerate Sport has collaborated with Surfing South Africa (SSA) and the World Surf League (WSL) in order to create and facilitate a competitive platform for WSL Qualifying Series events to the benefit for local South African surfers.

About Accelerate Sport

Accelerate Sport and Entertainment is a results-driven marketing agency that focuses on effectively serving the best interest of clients and sponsors. With a collective 70 years of experience in sport and entertainment, Accelerate delivers integrated strategic solutions specialising in sponsorship rights, consultancy, event management, media and public relations.


About the World Surf League (WSL)

The World Surf League (WSL), established in 1976, is the enablement platform for surfing and surfers worldwide. The WSL is dedicated to changing the world through the inspirational power of surfing by creating authentic events, experiences, and storytelling to inspire a growing, global community to live with purpose, originality and stoke.

About Surfing South Africa (SSA)


Surfing South Africa is the governing body for the sport in South Africa and is a member of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), the African Surfing Confederation (ASC) and the International Surfing Association (ISA).


For further information, please contact:

Media & PR: Katleho Mashego – Accelerate Sport
+27 (0)63 224 0267
katleho@acceleratesport.com
www.acceleratesport.com