Government backs Dusi 2014
However in recent times, with the input from various stakeholders such as Dusi Canoe Marathon 2014 major sponsor the Department of Sport and Recreation KZN, this perception has been changed dramatically and a flood of young, black talent from throughout KwaZulu-Natal and around South Africa will once again look to tackle this year’s challenge from Pietermaritzburg to Durban which gets underway on Thursday 13 February.
The Department of Sport and Recreation KZN have shown tremendous support for the 2014 paddling spectacle and are proud to be associated with the event this year with department MEC Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha believing events such as the Dusi are important for the province of KZN.
“The Dusi Canoe Marathon is a major sporting event in the province and it is key for us to maintain it as an event,” said Sibhidla-Saphetha. “With it being such an important event, it draws in people from all over the country and even overseas which turns the spotlight onto the province, something that is beneficial for us from both an economic and tourism point of view.”
Drawing people to Pietermaritzburg and Durban for the event is an element that the Department of Sport and Recreation felt they needed to manage and promote and formed an important part of the newly established relationship with the iconic race.
“Pietermaritzburg and Durban are popular cities in the province when it comes to hosting major sporting events and with this, drawing people in. With a three day event, the amount of people that pass through both centres is increased significantly and maximising the economic growth from the influx of people is important for us as a department,” the MEC explained.
The department has not only taken on the role of being a major sponsor for the event but, by sponsoring this year’s race, they have shown confidence in the numerous development initiatives that have been set up to encourage canoeing development throughout the province.
“We have been really encouraged by what we have seen in terms of development,” Sibhidla-Saphetha said. “There are a number of people that have grabbed the opportunity to spread the sport to the previously disadvantaged and we find that hugely positive.”
A number of development initiatives have been set up around the province to help young people get involved in the sport of canoeing with the MEC praising the efforts of the Natal Canoe Club after the canoeing giants recently formed a strong squad of emerging paddlers.
“We really need to thank the Natal Canoe Club [organisers of the Dusi] for what they have done for the development of canoeing. They have taken on the development of a number of paddlers and have gone a long way in taking the sport from a previously elite sport to making it accessible for everyone,” Sibhidla-Saphetha explained.
Into its 63rd year of existence, the Dusi Canoe Marathon stands as one of the most iconic sporting events staged within KZN and is regarded by many as one of the most prestigious canoeing event worldwide.
“It was important for us to be involved in one of the major events in the province and it is also vital that we give these young people the opportunity to experience being a part of such an important event. “The sport, as all sports do, provides young people with a form of discipline and being able to work towards something is hugely important for them and for us. It goes a long way in building social cohesion in the province,” Sibhidla-Saphetha added.
The Dusi Canoe Marathon 2014 starts in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday 13 February and ends in Durban on Saturday 15 February 2014.
(File photo:Gallo Images)
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