World Cup 2010: The Ultimate Sports Show
The much awaited 19th FIFA World Cup is undoubtedly the most important and biggest international football competition and extravaganza which kicks off in South Africa from June 11, 2010 and will continue for a month until July 11, 2010.
This qualification process for this year’s World Cup commenced in August 2007 with the participation of 204 FIFA national teams battling it out to make the cut for the mega event that has duly arrived with a bang.
There have been lots of comparisons between the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics in the summer of 2008, as both the events were at a break even position so far as the competing national sides participating were concerned. This is undoubtedly a remarkable phenomenon which only goes to show the substance, reputation and following of the game of football world over.
One of the most highlighting features of this year’s World Cup is that for the first time in the history of world football, such an esteemed sporting gala is being hosted by an African country. By way of background, South Africa succeeded in overcoming Morocco and Egypt in a bidding process for hosting of the FIFA World Cup which included all the African countries. As a result of such nomination, rapturous jubilations were seen throughout South Africa with a sense of pride and achievement on part of this fabulous country which now has one of the biggest platforms to show the world what the country can offer in all respects. It is an excellent opportunity for business, tourism (it has some breath taking sites and spots and vibrant and energetic city lives) and social segments of South Africa to use this mega event to propel the country in the eyes of the world and to dismiss any erroneous perceptions that relate to South Africa, if any. Such is the power and magic of football across the globe that it can change the holistic perception and boost the economic and social development of a state that is full of potential, in all respects.
In view of this mega event, the South African government has been extremely active to provide the best possible facilities to the visitors and the public in general who would be caught with the football fever for a span of over a month.
It is only due to FIFA World Cup that the government has remarkably improved the public transport mechanism along with major improvements in various departments including security, wellness, emergency of all kinds, boarding and lodging arrangements for foreigners or those South Africans who would be traveling locally to follow the games.
By way of example, in an unprecedented move in the history of South Africa, the accommodation arrangements by small, medium and micro level organisations are FIFA approved to ensure the maintenance of international standards in such respect.
Moreover, various underprivileged or economically hit classes will benefit from the emerging job opportunities from construction related telecommunication and other infrastructure products associated with the FIFA World Cup. The sporting event has given fuel and direction to the dormant and unplanned sporting facilities which would include the refurbishment and construction of six brand new multi purpose arenas and stadium based on international standards. This, in turn will naturally lead to more job opportunities post the World Cup event hence effectively contributing to the overall economic situation of South Africa.
According to some unofficial statistics, at least 500,000 crazy fans and supporters from around the world are expected to pour in South Africa in this month of June. Whereas, the figure for television viewers of this ultimate sporting event has been stated as somewhere in the region of a staggering 35 to 40 billion.
The official shibboleth or the slogan as it widely known for the FIFA World Cup is termed in the native language as Ke Nako, which basically translates into ‘it is time’. This is an embodiment of celebrations for humankind in South Africa who are all ready as a nation to welcome the entire world as its guests.
The ten venues (as shortlisted later on March 17, 2006) on which the games will be played are: Johannesburg (which will host at two venues), Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria and Rustenburg.
The official mascot and motto for this event is Zakumi (a human faced lion with green hair) and “Waka Waka” (sung by Shakira and a local band in South Africa in Spanish and English) respectively.
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