The City of Cape Town has once again illustrated the fact that it can host a world class championship, after winning the bid to host the 2006 African Archery Continental Games.
This will be the biggest internationally recognized archery event held on the African continent.
Held under the banner of the Federation of African Archery (FAA), representing some 18 African Countries, the event will be held concurrently with the South African National Archery
Championships at the Turfhall Sports Complex in Athlone, Cape Town from the 31 March - 4 April 2006.
According to the General Secretary of the FAA Mr. Yehya BUNDHUN, of the Mauritius, South Africa has not hosted the continental event in more than 30 years which serves as a great
opportunity to bring the African countries closer together.
"Cape Town won the bid against Cameroon and the Central African Republic primarily because of their excellent facilities and the development programme they have in place as a consequence
of the Continental Games."
"Inspection of their facilities reveal a world class standard able to host Olympic events and the ability to cater for the sport and its fans," he concluded.
According to Selwyn Moskovitz, chair of the organising committee, the awarding of the All African Archery Championships to Cape Town (South Africa) is the beginning of an exciting era for
the sport and its fans.
"Cape Town raised the bar at the 2005 SA Championships by ensuring that many sporting disciplines benefited from the event, especially the disabled. The All African Championships will be
no different, in that we will be creating job opportunities and direct long term employment for the disabled," he added.
Gert Bam, the director of social development for the City of Cape Town added, "To host the Continental Championships is an honour for Cape Town. It contributes to the international
profile of the City as a Major Sports Event City. Our partnership with Western Province Archery has enabled us to create opportunities for all communities in Cape Town."
Participants from all over the world are expected to compete in the event.