South Africa is ready to host the 123rd International Olympic Committee (IOC) gathering in Durban in July. International sports administrators, royalty, and heads of state are expected in the country for the 123rd IOC Session, which will kick off in July.

Briefing reporters about the global session, South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) CEO, Tubby Reddy, said: "Even if the visitors were to arrive tomorrow, we are ready to host them. Our preparations are currently at an advanced stage. We are fine-tuning our operational planning."

IOC executive board member, Sam Ramsamy, said all those who will be coming for the 123rd IOC assembly will have an unforgettable week in South Africa.

"This is a historic moment for Durban, South Africa and for Africa to host the International Olympic Committee for the first time on the continent. This is the first time that such a group is assembling in South Africa." This gathering provides an opportunity to showcase South Africa's economy, tourism, culture and people.

Ramsamy said: "We are extremely grateful that the IOC has given us the honour to host this prestigious event and preparations are well on track for what promises to be a memorable event."

The heads of state of Germany, Korea, Hungary, the Netherlands and Denmark will be amongst those taking part in the IOC Session. Confirmation for the attendance of French President Nicolas Sarkozy is still awaited.

Ramsamy also announced that there will be a wedding reception in Durban on 7 July for the Prince of Monaco, Prince Albert II, and his South African fiance Charlene Wittstock, an Olympic backstroke swimmer.

Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula described the 123rd IOC Session as the second Soccer World Cup. He said that this is the big event. We've hosted the world's football fraternity in South Africa and we're delighted to be playing host to the entire Olympic movement in our country.

"As the South African government, we've thrown our full support behind the success of the IOC Session. We look forward to constructive engagement with the leaders of world sport, as we look to continue entrenching our country's positive reputation as a major international sports, tourism and events destination and as we look to bid for and host events across the sporting spectrum in South Africa."

The IOC 123rd Session will coincide with the launch of the Sports and Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) to be held from 27 to 29 July in Cape Town. South African Tourism chief marketing officer, Roshene Singh, said: "Globally, sports tourism is a multi-billion dollar industry and South Africa [has a] proven capability of hosting major events, as well as our significant infrastructure footprint."

The three cities bidding for the privilege to host the 2018 Olympics are Munich in Germany, Annecy in France, and Pyeongchang in Korea.

Durban was first nominated to host the 123rd Session in April 2008, along with a Hong Kong as second candidate, and was given the honour at the 120th IOC Session in Beijing, China in August of that year.

The gathering to announce the 2018 Winter Olympics host city will be held July.

A BuaNews report edited by the Skills Portal

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