The first Netball World Cup to be held on African soil, in Cape Town in July and August 2023, has been shortlisted in four categories for the upcoming Hollard Sport Industry Awards in South Africa.
The annual prestigious event recognises those at the core of South African sport – the organisations, teams, brands, partners and agencies that make sporting events, campaigns and sponsorships possible.
The Netball World Cup 2023 has been shortlisted in the following four categories:
- Event of the Year
- Social and Environmental
- Sports Organisation of the Year
- African Excellence
In addition, a number of brands and partners of the tournament – SPAR, SuperSport and Telkom – as well as their respective campaigns and agencies that were part of the tournament activations, have been shortlisted in a number of other categories, including “Campaign of the Year”, where all three have been individually short-listed.
In total, over 20 entries related to the Netball World Cup 2023 in some form, have been short-listed.
In reaction to the announcement, the Chairperson of the Netball World Cup 2023 Board, Ms Patience Shikwamba, said “It is an honour and wonderful testament to all that were involved in delivering the successful Netball World Cup 2023.”
“When we first dreamt the dream, a South African dream, an African dream, we did so with the goal and ambition to show what was possible within our beautiful country.
“This was a historic Netball World Cup for Africa and being nominated for four industry awards, and our partners being recognised in other categories, is indeed an absolute honour.
“It’s also recognition of the power of women’s sport. We believe we have inspired a whole generation of girls and young women, and that was one of our ambitions.
“I speak on behalf of the Netball World Cup 2023 Board when I say that the event’s success would not have been possible without the involvement and support of all stakeholders and partners, including, but not limited to the sponsors, the SABC, SuperSport, the Department of Sport,Arts and Culture, Western Cape Province and the City of Cape Town.
“The awards are the product of collective commitment and excellence. I’m proud and thankful,” Ms Shikwambana said.
Adding her reaction was Tournament Director Ms Priscilla Masisi. “I thought ‘wow,’ what recognition for the success of the Netball World Cup.
“It was a tireless project, but we were determined to work day and night to make it the best Netball World Cup ever.
“I think we achieved our goal.
“I feel certain that we have shown that Africa is capable of hosting these huge events.
“Netball is the heartbeat of women’s sport in South Africa and for us to take on, and successfully execute, a project of this size, shows what we are capable of.
“I want to thank every single one of my co-workers and tournament partners for their unwavering commitment in helping create the magic.”
The Hollard Sport Industry Awards are set to be held on the 23rd of November.