Spring Treble Talks Newsletter

Greetings to you all,

Spring is around the corner, and we can’t believe we are fast approaching the business end of 2023 – but more importantly the Springboks have embarked on their Rugby World Cup defence as the world’s oval-balled eyes have shifted focus on France 2023.

The Springboks’ leadup to rugby’s showpiece event included a warm-up Test match against the All Blacks in August at Twickenham, which saw our Treble UK team identify and assist Qatar Airways in securing and shaping the Qatar Airways Cup between these two rugby heavyweights.

Having strategically advised Qatar Airways to enter the Global Rugby market through their United Rugby Championship and European Professional Club Rugby partnerships, we are thrilled to have played a key role in showcasing two of the world’s biggest rugby brands, and the wonderful spectacle that was delivered to the 82 000 spectators at the ‘Home of Rugby’.

Treble UK continues to establish itself in the international market, with a core focus on Formula One, English Football and International Rugby. The Treble UK leadership and management is extremely experienced and driving several strategic conversations for brands and rightsholders. With the Qatar Airways Cup in mind, there are other projects in the pipeline. Contact us for more information.

The Vodacom United Rugby Championship will also return with a bang as the DHL Stormers begin another exciting season that will also include the Investec Champions Cup action staged in-between. As always, our activation team will be hitting the ground running to ensure we deliver an unmatched experience for the fans at DHL Stadium.

Talking about DHL Stadium, December is jam-packed with rugby matches from the Vodacom URC and Investec Champions Cup matches as well as hosting the HSBC SVNS ape Town tournament, which has undergone a major rebrand with even more exciting fan engagement to look forward to, with the key aim to deliver the ultimate in immersive experiences, a unique festival of sport, entertainment and culture set against stunning backdrops.

As the Official Service Provider for the sale of all advertising space and inventory within the entire DHL Stadium and surrounding precinct, the Treble Group welcomes any enquiries around getting your brand in the game. For more information and contact details please click here.

TREBLE 99 NPC – NTWASAHLOBO PRIMARY SCHOOL FIELDS

We are also delighted to share with you our Treble 99 NPC initiative, which was the development of two rugby fields at the Ntwasahlobo Primary School sporting grounds in Khayelitsha. The hard work and meticulous planning of this project came to fruition in June with the official opening that saw coaches and playing members of the DHL Stormers and DHL WP Rugby team present to conduct a coaching clinic for the Ntwasahlobo Primary School learners.

Treble 99 NPC, along with the generous donation from SunBet Cares, initiated a two-phase project with the sole focus to build two junior-sized rugby fields on the existing land, which was basically a sand pit, and an installation of a borehole system to maintain the field and ensure its sustainability for years to come. You can view the official opening here

SUNCOAST EAST COAST RADIO BIG WALK RETURNS

The Treble Group welcomed the return of KwaZulu-Natal’s favourite walk in June, as over 20 000 walkers joined as one to enjoy the sights and sounds of Durban’s iconic promenade. As official event organisers, Treble worked tirelessly to maintain a high standard of meticulous planning throughout from ticket sales, registration, race-pack collection and full event-day management and experience.

Families, friends and colleagues of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels basked in beautiful weather in what was another unforgettable experience and heralded the return of this much-loved event since 2019 – due to the Covid-19 pandemic. You can view highlights of the Suncoast East Coast Radio Big Walk here

SPUR ACTIVATIONS

We are delighted to share with you that the ‘The Springboks Take Over Spur’ video for Spur’s digital platforms – thanks to their partnership with the Springboks – was awarded the ‘Ad of the Month’ for August by MarkLives.com. You can view the video here

Being the account management agency for Spur’s sponsorship as the Official Restaurant of the Springboks, the Treble Group leveraged their sponsorship digitally after only having two domestic tests in 2023. This included creating several video assets using their rights around player appearances, mascot activation and branding of ball retrievers.

Treble also created, managed, and implemented a mascot activation in early-July, which brought 23 children to the Springboks vs Australia Test match at Loftus Versfeld. Kit was provided to ensure the mascots were proudly dressed in Springbok green as they walked on to the field with the Springboks to line up to sing the national anthem with pride.


WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU

There are several exciting Sponsorship Opportunities, Activations and Event Management solutions that our team are currently working on with the HSBC Sevens World Series at DHL Stadium, the 2024 DHL Lifesaving SA National Championships, and the 2024 Prescient Freedom Paddle on the horizon, but we are especially excited in being involved with the #SA20 Franchise, the Pretoria Capitals. The formalities begin with the eagerly anticipated player auction happening in September, so please follow our Social Media pages for more details and opportunities that are tailored to suit your brands’ needs. Get in touch with us and contact [email protected] for more information.

Your best opportunity awaits!

Kind Regards

Kyle Nel and the Communications Team

Cape Town joins HSBC SVNS revolution – the ultimate festival of immersive experiences

Cape Town has been announced as one of eight iconic festivals that comprise the HSBC SVNS, a new era for rugby sevens launched today.

  • SVNS will deliver immersive experiences, the world’s best men’s and women’s athletes and a bold ambition to supercharge rugby’s growth
  • HSBC recommits as title partner of the revamped series as rugby’s Olympic format targets new markets
  • Over a 12-year partnership, HSBC has been integral to the growth of the sport by championing the women’s game, putting over 558,962 individuals through grassroots programmes and helping drive expansion to new markets
  • SVNS brand identity reflects summer vibes, aligning all locations for the first time
  • Destination SVNS launched, a vibrant campaign that positions the annual series as the go-to destination for people looking for a great time

Cape Town has been confirmed as one of the eight iconic destinations that comprise HSBC SVNS, World Rugby’s revamped and rebranded global celebration of rugby sevens launched on Tuesday.

With a bold ambition to supercharge rugby’s global reach and appeal by being more relevant and accessible to younger, leisure-hungry audiences, SVNS aims to deliver the ultimate in immersive experiences, a unique festival of sport, entertainment and culture set against stunning backdrops.

Launching in December 2023, SVNS festivals will provide the annual platform for the world’s best sevens athletes to shine with 12 men’s and women’s teams sharing a global stage at the same location.

Cape Town has been retained on the re-imagined series as it has entrenched itself as one of South Africa’s pre-eminent FOMO events in any genre ever since the South African leg of the series moved to the Mother City in 2015.

More than 620,000 supporters have streamed through the Cape Town Stadium gates in the past six tournaments, making it one of the best-attended live events in South Africa, while no fewer than six different men’s and women’s teams have been crowned champions.

HBSC SVNS – Festival dates

Dubai, UAE – 2-3 December, 2023
Cape Town, South Africa – 9-10 December, 2023
Perth, Australia – 26-28 January, 2024
Vancouver, Canada – 23-25 February, 2024
Los Angeles, USA – 2-3 March, 2024
Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR China – 5-7 April 2024
Singapore, Singapore – 3-5 May 2024
Madrid, Spain – 31 May-2 June, 2024

All dates and venues correct at time of publication and are subject to change.

For the latest information on tickets, fans should visit the new SVNS.com website to find out more.

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “We are excited to be launching HSBC SVNS, the supercharged new identity for our Olympic format, with iconic destinations and a new concept on and off the field, broadening the reach and appeal of the sport beyond its traditional audiences.

“Our ambition is for SVNS to be at the forefront of our growth strategy, appealing to a younger, leisure-hungry audience. In eight iconic destinations played over seven months, we will bring together a truly immersive festival of rugby, music, food and experiences to create the ultimate weekend-long get together for young people, the hottest ticket and open a new era for the sport.

“For the first time in rugby sevens history, all locations will be unified under the same approach, meaning that the overall experience is the same and we can optimise commercial revenue for reinvestment, including playing our part in ensuring that sevens is a viable career path for the talented players and Olympians.

“We are delighted to be extending our long-standing and impactful title partnership with HSBC. They share our passion to grow the sport in new nations and communities and have played an instrumental role in advancing the reach and success of the sport, particularly at the community game level. We are excited by the opportunity we have in front of us to work with HSBC to take SVNS to the next level.”

Summer vibes, festival feel

Off the field, SVNS is all about summertime vibes. Sun-soaked days and unique experiences as rugby, music, food, and wellbeing combine to attract a new generation of audiences. Celebrating cuisine and culture, each SVNS destination will celebrate its unique local flavour, adding to the overall excitement and enjoyment of the events across the globe. There will also be a range of competitive and social sports for all at SVNS festivals, from non-contact rugby to functional fitness. Every event will deliver something unique.

New format, gender parity

Each event is designed to enable the world’s top players to be at their best. Following consultation with players, fans, broadcasters and unions, the competition format has been revamped with SVNS set to deliver even more drama, excitement and jeopardy.

The top eight placed teams, based on cumulative series points, at the conclusion of Singapore SVNS will secure their opportunity to compete in the new ‘winner takes all’ Grand Final in Madrid, where the women’s and men’s SVNS champions will be crowned.

The drama does not end there. Madrid will also play host to the high stakes relegation play-off competition where teams ranked ninth to 12th will join the top four teams from the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series. The top four placed teams of this play-off will secure their place on next year’s SVNS.

Under the new model, SVNS delivers gender parity with all seven rounds and the Grand Final featuring combined men’s and women’s competitions and equal participation fees, with a 70 per cent uplift in World Rugby’s investment in participation fees as a commitment to sustainable growth.

“The HSBC SVNS Cape Town experience just exploded to a whole new level,” said SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer.

“We have long thought about expanding and enhancing the spectator experience and the new HSBC SVNS delivers exactly that, making for an exciting new departure – we’re honoured to be chosen as one of the host cities.

“It will go from a rugby event to a festival experience, unlike anything else we’ve seen at rugby before. The proposed changes to the tournament format and the new plans for an even better fan experience will ensure everyone who attends in Cape Town in December, will be blown away. We certainly can’t wait for the action to start.”

Continuation of an impactful and innovative partnership with HSBC

 Continuing 12 years of passionate support of rugby sevens, HSBC has been confirmed as SVNS title partner in a four-year deal. The renewal is a continuation of a hugely successful long-term partnership between HSBC and World Rugby that has created opportunities for players and fans all over the world. Alongside World Rugby, HSBC has been committed to the future of the women’s rugby and has helped 558,962 young people pick up a rugby ball through grassroots programmes.

HSBC Group Chief Executive, Noel Quinn said: “Through many years of working closely with World Rugby to showcase and support the sport around the world, HSBC has become synonymous with the World Rugby Sevens.

“I’m particularly proud of the new opportunities that we have helped to open up by taking the sport into new markets, supporting the growth of the women’s game and giving tens of thousands of young people the chance to try rugby for the first time. I’m delighted that our hugely successful partnership with World Rugby will continue for years to come, and that HSBC will be able to help the sport reach even greater heights.”

HSBC Ambassador and former USA 7s captain, Abby Gustaitis added: “Having recently come to the end of my HSBC SVNS playing career, I am so delighted that the next generation of female sevens players will be part of a series that is completely equal in terms of schedule and pay. HSBC has been a huge supporter of the growth of the women’s game and today’s announcement is a huge step in making rugby a sport that is fully equal for all.”

To mark the launch, a new ‘Destination: SVNS’ campaign, has been unveiled celebrating the new, vibrant SVNS brand and positions SVNS as the ultimate summer style destination, packed with entertainment and immersive experiences from sunrise to sunset.

The new series follows a widespread and comprehensive consultation process, involving representatives from participating teams, existing tournament hosts, the International Rugby Players, player welfare representatives and fans.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications 

We are Hiring! Key Sponsorship Account Manager

Job Description: Key Sponsorship Account Manager


Purpose of Position

Treble Group is looking for a dynamic and experienced Sponsorship Account Manager to own and lead customer accounts, brand experiences and activations. This position is primarily responsible to oversee the relationships of the company’s most important clients. You will be responsible for maintaining long-term key customers by comprehending their requirements and delivering against their objectives.

The ideal candidate will become an integral ambassador for both Treble and the brands we work with. As a Sponsorship Account Manager, you will play a crucial role in the wider team. Your primary focus will be on delivering the best quality outputs and ensuring they consistently go above and beyond for our clients. You will need to develop a thorough understanding of our clients’ businesses and manage internal teams to deliver creative and innovative sports marketing solutions that drive tangible results. The ideal candidate will be apt in building strong relationships with key customers.


Major Duties and Responsibilities

Key Sponsorship Account Manager duties and responsibilities includes but is not limited to:

  • Develop relationships with a portfolio of major clients;
  • Acquire a thorough understanding of key customer needs and requirements;
  • Expand the relationships with existing customers by continuously proposing solutions that meet their objectives;
  • Ensure the correct products and services are delivered to customers in a timely manner;
  • Serve as the link of communication between key customers and internal teams;
  • Working with sports rights holders and their partners to develop and deliver the client’s sponsorship leveraging plans;
  • Liaison with clients on development of sponsorship activation plans and marketing approvals process;
  • Overall ownership of status documents, monthly reporting, collateral, merchandise;
  • Management of creative assets, application on marketing materials and brand approvals;
  • Provision of guidance to client to ensure creative and innovative leveraging of the sponsorship assets;
  • Provision of industry knowledge of sports and entertainment industries and properties;
  • Answer and assist on all client and stakeholder inquiries;
  • Onsite event delivery including client, guest liaison, supplier management and team support;
  • Collaboration across multiple departments including studio, creative, legal, production and finance;
  • Creation of reports, such as quarterly account review, post event reports and asset usage;
  • Management of programme finances, including budgets, tracking, invoicing, and billing;
  • There will be requirements for travel to deliver programmes as and when required.

Requirements

  • Proven experience as a Sponsorship Account Manager;
  • Individual with a strong passion for the sports industry and the capability to identify and evaluate opportunities and produce tangible results;
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with aptitude in building relationships with professionals of all organisational levels;
  • Up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in sports activations;
  • High level Power Point Skills, Excel and Outlook and a confidence to present internally and externally;
  • Knowledge of social media and analytic tools;
  • Excellent organizational skills;
  • Ability in problem-solving and negotiation;
  • BSc/BA Degree in business administration, sales or relevant field;
  • Minimum Years of Experience: 5+ Years of relevant professional experience demonstrating progressive career growth.

Salary:

  • Salary depends on skills and event experience

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We’re an equal opportunity company. All applicants will be considered without attention to ethnicity, appearance, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

 You can apply on LinkedIn, or send us your CV along with a Cover Letter to [email protected]

Suncoast East Coast Radio Durban Big Walk Back With a Bang

The Treble Group are delighted and proud to see the return of Durban’s favourite walk, as over 20 000 walkers joined as one to enjoy the sights and sounds of its iconic promenade.

After a hiatus of four years due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, a new headline sponsor – Suncoast – joined the fray with KwaZulu-Natal’s No 1 radio station, East Coast Radio.

As official event organisers, Treble worked tirelessly to maintain a high standard of planning throughout to ensure all operations functioned optimally to unite over 20 000 people on Durban’s picturesque promenade. Family, friends and colleagues of all ages, backgrounds, fitness levels basked in beautiful weather in what was another unforgettable experience.

A key part of the Big Walk experience is staging a fun, highly interactive event that showcases the beauty of Durban and its people. We worked seamlessly with our partners to deliver an intricate branding and staging solution, beginning at uShaka Marine World, where participants started their walk with live entertainment and a distinct vibe of unity.

We continued the experience by ensuring our entrants remained hydrated, while being mindful of our precious planet by making sure that all recyclable items such as plastic were picked up along the route during and after the event.

The finish line was, as always, at the majestic Moses Mabhida Stadium, which enhanced the walkers’ feeling of community. We then welcomed participants into People’s Park to celebrate their finish, with a variety of food and beverage options (starting with an ice-cold, complimentary aQuellé) and live entertainment by East Coast Radio.

Treble is honoured to be part of Durban’s biggest mass participation event, and to be in partnership with East Coast Radio and Suncoast.

We are already looking forward to 2024 for an even bigger and better experience!

Ntwasahlobo Primary School Project Opening Day

The Treble Group is delighted to announce the official opening of Ntwasahlobo Primary School sporting grounds in Khayelitsha, which took place on Tuesday 13 June and saw members of the DHL Stormers team making an appearance.

Through our Treble 99 NPC initiative, coaches and playing members of DHL WP Rugby played a huge role in celebrating the opening of the sports fields by conducting a coaching clinic for the local schoolchildren of Khayelitsha.

Treble 99 NPC, along with the generous donation from SunBet Cares, initiated a two-phase project with the main focus in building two junior-sized rugby fields on the existing field and an installation of a borehole system to maintain the field and ensure its sustainability for years to come.

This will also incorporate the training of a sports coach to manage the process and oversee the training of the school kids. T99’s vision of keeping learners fully engaged on the sports field to help them grow and learn the necessary life skills they can carry through to their adulthood, relies heavily on donations such as SunBet’s generous one.

Facilities that are functionable, maintainable and act as a sustainable educational hub for school kids through sport helps supports mental and physical health and instils in people the discipline of physical activity, which is why T99 identified Ntwasahlobo Primary as the ideal school to run this programme – an area that is a great hotbed of sporting talent.

Now that the Ntwasahlobo Primary fields are ready for usage, DHL WP Rugby – through their Hubs Development Programme – and WP Cricket players will conduct fun coaching days for the pupils throughout the four school terms.

Participation in sport is a right that every human being should enjoy without hindrance, just like playing is for children. It’s a basic education right and the Treble 99 NPC team looks forward to playing a key role in delivering this to the school pupils of Ntwasahlobo Primary School.

BWT Alpine F1 Team Partnership with Ecowatt

The Treble Group is proud of this new multi-year strategic partnership with Ecowatt, an investment company developing renewable energy assets and funding social impact projects.

The Ecowatt brand identity is visible on Alpine’s 2023 challenger – the A523 – in the current FIA Formula 1 World Championship season as well as on the drivers’ and race team’s overalls at all Grands Prix events in 2023.

Otmar Szafnauer, BWT Alpine F1 Team, Team Principal: “Our partnership with Ecowatt is a long-term project with ambitious targets set to reduce our carbon footprint and fast-track to net-zero emissions. We are thrilled to have Ecowatt on board.”

Ecowatt CEO Thomas Puskas: “Both Ecowatt and Alpine have continuous, rapid innovation in their DNA, so we look forward to working closely with their incredible development teams to pioneer meaningful and measurable change on the No.1 issue facing the planet.”

Treble Group UK Managing Director, Kyle Nel, looks forward to seeing the growth of this new partnership: “We are delighted to have brought this new strategic partnership to fruition. The BWT Alpine F1 Team’s is an impressive professional set-up with several world leading aspects to their business and I am sure we’ll see the same with Ecowatt’s partnership.”

About Ecowatt

Ecowatt develops and operates renewable energy power plants of varying sizes and capacities around the world, essentially increasing the much-needed supply of clean energy and carbon avoidance projects.

An addition, Ecowatt carefully selects and funds social impact projects which are holistic and sustainable. By leveraging innovative technologies, they will democratize access to green energy investment opportunities. https://ecowatt.io/

About BWT Alpine F1 Team

BWT Alpine F1 Team competes in the FIA Formula One World Championship with race winners Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. Led by Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer, the team finished fourth in the 2022 Constructors’ Championship as it continues its quest to reach the pinnacle of Formula 1.

Led by CEO Laurent Rossi, Alpine is the French-style sports car brand founded in 1955 by Jean Rédélé and is now the dedicated brand for innovative, authentic and exclusive sports cars of the Renault Group. A wider Business Unit allows Alpine to benefit from the heritage and know-how of its historic Dieppe factory and the engineering expertise of BWT Alpine F1 Team, Alpine Racing and Alpine Cars teams.

Prescient Freedom Paddle Going from Strength to Strength

CAPE TOWN – Hank McGregor and Josh Fenn convincingly claimed back their Prescient Freedom Paddle title on Thursday in a dramatic race marked by tough conditions and a rain-delayed start.

Now in its sixth year the Treble-owned property, in which sponsorship, event management, marketing and operations of the Surfski event are fully managed by our award-winning team, sees competitors paddling 27kms around the iconic Robben Island – a symbol of South Africa’s miraculous journey to democracy and freedom.

Always seeking to raise the bar with every passing year, the Treble Group, along with the organisers and sponsors, endeavoured to expand the event and make it even more accessible to a wide variety of ocean paddle crafts, while promoting shorter alternatives for the less skilled and novice paddlers.

McGregor and Fenn swept around the 27km course from Green Point’s Oceana Power Boat Club, around Robben Island and back to beat defending champion Andy Birkett, paddling with Uli Hart this year.

The veteran Cape Town pair of Jasper and Dawid Mocké finished third in spite of taking an unscheduled swim as they rounded Robben Island, where the paddlers had to negotiate some big waves.

The woman’s race was won by the Durban pairing of Michelle Burn and Saskia Hockly, who expertly utilised the downwind swell on the way back to the finish to come home ahead of Candice Murray and Kira Bester.

The organisers of the prestigious annual Freedom Day surf-ski race had earlier delayed the start by an hour because of poor visibility as a sharp wind blew a rain squall across Table Bay. But conditions had improved considerably within that time, with some sunshine even appearing as the wind eased off.

Both the men’s and women’s races were decided on the downwind run home as paddlers rode swells pushing them towards the finish.

But even before the downwind section, disaster struck for the hotly-tipped pair of Kenny Rice and Clinton Cook.

“It was about 10 to15 minutes after the start,” recalled Cook. “We were five boats in a line and we were the fourth boat. It was quite choppy and nobody’s fault, but when our tail went down their front (the boat immediately behind) came up and basically put a hole through our boat.

“I jumped out to have a look and said to Kenny that we are not going to make it around the Island … we’d probably have sunk half way there.”

As they limped home, the four other leading boats were rounding Robben Island, where misfortune struck the veteran Mocké brothers.

“We had a bit of a mishap at the back (of Robben Island) … we took a swim,” said Dawid. “A wave clipped us and we capsized and then we were in a solid fourth place, so we had to put the hammer down after that.”

He added that the conditions around the back of the island were “probably the biggest I have seen on that side”.

As the leaders turned for home McGregor and Fenn made their break.

“Just after the Island Hank said “it’s time”, and I guess that was the go signal and we put the hammer down from there,” recalled Fenn.

Birkett said he had enjoyed the testing conditions — it was a “great experience”. He added that “Hank and Josh were in a league of their own coming back. As soon as we left the island on the way back they just left all of us.”

McGregor recalled: “There were four boats going around the island together. Once we got around to the wild side the surf was big — but it was fantastic. We managed to put our nose ahead from there on the top side of the island and smoked it on the way home.

“This is our third win together, so we are really stoked.”

The women’s race panned out in similar fashion, although Burn and Hockly waited a bit longer before making their decisive break.

Burn said: “Going into the headwind on the way out was hard work. We are very light so we get thrown around a lot. By the time I got to the island I was pretty tired but thankfully I love the runs and coming home was pretty awesome. We worked really hard.”

They had, however, to overcome a “terrible start”, and Hockly said it turned out to be “one of the hardest races we have ever done.”

“Michelle’s skill is unbelievable and being able to sit behind her while she navigated the island was such a pleasure. The start wasn’t really great … we were the last boat to leave the line.”

They caught the other leading women at Robben Island. “Then it was classic dicing with Candice and Kira but at the end we managed to pull away,” said Hockly.

A total of 410 paddlers took part in the day’s various events on 258 boats.

Selected Results
Men
1 Hank Mcgregor and Joshua Fenn,
2 Ulvard Hart and Andy Birkett,
3 Jasper Mocke and Dawid Mocke.

Women
1 Michelle Burn and Saskia Hockly,
2 Candice Murray and Kira Bester,
3 Jade Wilson and Nix Birkett.

Mixed
1 Melanie Van Niekerk and Scheepers Schoem,
2 Ian Trautmann and Stephanie Von Der Heyd,
3 Angie Austin and Craig Flanagan.

DHL Lifesaving South African Championships returns to Gqeberha

The 2023 DHL Lifesaving South African Championships has kicked off and runs through to 5 April in Gqeberha, home of action and adventure sports.

It’s been a busy month for the Treble team, who have been working behind the scenes to deliver the DHL Lifesaving SA Champs, while also prepping for matchday duties for the Heineken European Cup knockout clash at DHL Stadium in the ‘DHL Derby’ between the DHL Stormers and Harlequins.

As the exclusive commercial and marketing agency to DHL Lifesaving South Africa, while also being the brand activation agency for DHL Express in Sub-Saharan Africa, Treble has worked tirelessly to deliver this world-class lifesaving event.

It’s been richly rewarding to see months of planning coming to fruition and a rare privilege to witness over 1500 of the country’s lifesaving specialists competing in the surf and sand at Kings Beach, and at the pool events at Newton Park Swimming Pool.  The Championships brings families from across the country in a celebration and culmination of the Lifesaving season.

The LSA Federation’s executives Craig van Rooyen (LSA Director of Sport)and Helen Herbert (LSA General Manager) together with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality; and Lifesaving SA’s sponsors and partners, DHL, Treble Group, National Lotteries Commission, Department of Sport and Recreationand the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation SA, collectively have worked to ensure that all championship events – both surf and pool – go ahead safely.

NMBM Mayoral Committee Member for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Cllr Bassie Kamana said the Metro had the most beautiful beaches in the country, so it is only fitting for an event such as the DHL Lifesaving South African Championships to be held in NMB.

“We have hosted the event many times and are excited to see lifesavers return to NMB. We welcome supporters and families to NMB and trust that you’ll enjoy your stay. We continue to establish NMB as a preferred sporting destination and welcome the economic injection into the City,” MMC Kamana said.

The seven-day championship event takes place during the school holidays to accommodate the Junior and Nipper divisions. Last year saw a limited number of spectators permitted due to COVID-19 restrictions but for the first time since 2019, the event is open to the public, who are welcome to cheer on their lifesaving heroes.

“I am proud to be part of such a prestigious event and look forward to action packed events, top performances, and great competition in both pool and surf over the seven days in Gqeberha. On behalf of LSA, we wish all the members the best of luck, safe travels, and an enjoyable week at the event,” said Craig van Rooyen, LSA Director of Sport.

Programme of Events:

30 March: Opening Ceremony (Kings Beach)

30 March – 1 April: Junior and Seniors Surf Competition (Kings Beach)

30 March – 1 April: Surf Boat Competition (Kings Beach)

31 March – 2 April: Nipper Pool Competition (Newton Park Pool)

1 April: Masters Pool Competition (Newton Park Pool)

2 April: Masters Surf Competition (Kings Beach)

3 April – 5 April: Nipper Surf Competition (Kings Beach)

3 April – 5 April: Juniors and Seniors Pool Competition (Newton Park Pool)

For more information visit www.lifesaving.co.za or follow Lifesaving South Africa on social media @LifesavingSouthAfrica

 

Formula E Rocked the Mother City

Cape Town hosted its first-ever FormulaE-Prix on Saturday 25 February and this was a truly unique experience for our Treble Team to deliver yet another world-class activation.

It was great to see the DHL Stormers players out and about outside their new home ground. With lots of exciting and fun things to do, the DHL Activation Zone stood head and shoulders above the rest with their distinctive yellow and world-class activities for the electric petrol heads.

Lights, action, music – it’s HSBC Cape Town Sevens week

As the triumphant Blitzboks settled back into Cape Town after their fourth successive victory in the Emirates Dubai Sevens, the supporting cast was also tuning up for another three days of Mother City magic at the weekend.

Alderman Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor of the City of Cape Town and a former Springbok prop, was on hand to run a fitness check on the Cape Town Philharmonic, which will be making its debut at the tournament.

<< CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS TO THE HSBC CAPE TOWN SEVENS >>

In another ‘first’ for the event, the full symphony orchestra will be performing on Sunday, 11 December 2022, to wow the audience in the way that only the HSBC Cape Town Sevens knows how.

“The Mother City is ready to host the HSBC Cape Town Sevens this coming weekend,” said Alderman Andrews on Monday.

“We are over the moon to welcome on board the Cape Town Philharmonic in what promises to be something different and exciting altogether.

“The HSBC Cape Town Sevens is more than just the game I love so much, it is also about bringing together people from across our city and province, and even further afield, to celebrate our shared passions and heritage.

“Congratulations to our Blitzboks for winning the Dubai-leg. We are looking forward to welcoming you back home. Cape Town is ready to bring the gees this weekend. The City of Cape Town is a proud supporter of the HSBC Cape Town Sevens and acknowledges the contribution it makes to our local economy.”

SA’s biggest party – the unofficial noon gun to the summer season – kicks off at 12h00 on Friday, 9 December, at the DHL Stadium.

The Blitzboks close day one at 20h03 with a match against Canada before heading into an action packed Saturday.

The home favourites have pool games against Fiji (11h19) and France (17h00) to earn a place in the Cup quarter-finals, which will also take place on Saturday.

Sunday’s action begins at 08h00 with the men’s and women’s finals taking place just before 20h00.