2010’ Legacy: Bigger than the Beautiful Game
Hosting the event in South Africa offered the continent ‘a journey of hope’, said President Thabo Mbeki after the May 2004 announcement and it didn’t take long for the positive effect to begin.
South Africans, across all industries, realised the incredible opportunity the event creates and have been preparing ever since the first announcement. In terms of tourism, never before has South Africa had such an opportunity to introduce its spectacular offerings to the world of soccer travellers.
Every tourist who visits the country creates employment and jobs- ultimately uplifting communities and eradicating poverty on a very real level.
The event also provides great inspiration for the youth of South Africa. No doubt there are keen young footballers on the streets of Soweto and in the townships of Guguletu today who will be inspired and motivated by the international players- and as a result the 2010 FIFA World Cup is a win-win situation, no matter who walks off with the winning trophy.
The World Cup is really only the beginning. What’s being built is a legacy to the future. Let the games begin!
