The City of Cape Town's catchphrase for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ is "ready to welcome the world". Although it sounds a little cheesy and lets be honest, this isn't the first time that line has been used on the eve of a major tournament in a non-first-world country, Cape Town have embrased the line as a motto rather than a catchphrase.
Instead of it being a line to use and throw away once the hype dies down, the City of Cape Town will be working non-stop to make sure that those words ring true in the eyes and ears of everyone when they visit the city for the world showpiece. They will be planning meticulously to ensure Cape Town is ready, without a doubt, in all respects when the tournament gets underway.
Cape Town's first opportunity to showcase its readiness for global sport's biggest showpiece will come when it hosts the Final Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ on Friday 4 December 2009 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
A good illustration of the commitment the City has to the World Cup and being "ready to welcome the world" a committee of over 100 Cape Town City, Western Cape Province, FIFA and 2010 Organising personel were present at the meeting to finalise plans for the draw on December 4th. Among that number was even Executive Deputy Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Ian Nielson. His presence was illustrate the leadership of the City's commitment to be a hands on and eager particpant in the meeting
Source: FIFA.com
While Cape Town is a picturesque city that receives its fair share of international acclaim for its many tourist offerings, the Final Draw for Africa's first FIFA World Cup will be a mega showcase for the city as it welcomes the world's media, broadcasters and FIFA football family, including the coaches of all the qualified teams such as Fabio Capello, Dunga and Bert van Marwijk. With football powerhouses such as England, Brazil, Holland, Japan, the two Koreas and Ghana among the countries that have already qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, excitement is certainly mounting for the Draw - which will determine the tournament's groupings and match locations.
An exciting Draw week is planned, which will showcase Cape Town and South Africa's music, history, exquisite scenery, culture and most visibly the city's showpiece Green Point Stadium - which will host one of the 2010 FIFA World Cup's semi-final games.
But before what's set to be a huge party takes place in one of the country's entertainment meccas, the hard work and grind that precedes it is proceeding well.
Transport routes for the event were discussed today, as well as back up routes, accreditation procedures, medical facilities, broadcast positions, photographer positions, media working areas, branding concepts and security plans as well, among a myriad of issues as the City, Province, Organising Committee and FIFA streamline their plans.
And at the end of a productive day the consensus is no doubt that Cape Town certainly is well on its way to being "ready to welcome the world" and coming good on its confident tournament slogan.
