GEORGE RUGBY NEWS - Plans to place George back on the map as one of the pinnacle sports festival destinations in South Africa will get a decent kick-start with the upcoming George Tens Rugby Festival on the weekend of 7 and 8 December.
In an unprecedented move to bring an event of this magnitude back to the Garden Route, the George Municipality has partnered with strategic stakeholders from the private sector to bring this exciting brand back to the Southern Cape.
Ig van der Merwe, the events organiser and main driver behind the George Tens, said at a press briefing at Outeniqua Park on Tuesday they want to use this unique brand to bring people from all walks of life, from all corners of the Garden Route and most importantly, from all parts of South Africa, together in a celebration of sport, festivities and all that George has to offer.
A total of 35 teams have indicated that they will take part. Among them are eight women's teams and 16 clubs from all over the country. Crusaders, the SWD Premier League champion for 2019, as well as a few university teams, will also be in action.
Apart from a women's and a club league for serious players, the George Tens will also cater for a veterans' and social league, which promises to add some colour and loads of fun.
With prize money of R30 000 up for grabs in the club league, stiff competition can be expected.
Van der Merwe said the George Tens is about more than just rugby. "Our goal is to place George back on the map as one of South Africa's top host cities for sports festivals of this nature.
Through this hugely popular brand we can create a platform to stimulate economic growth, generate revenue and encourage a tourism influx."
The SA Rugby Legends have confirmed their commitment to the event. Besides participating, they will also be doing a coaching clinic from 14:00 to 16:30 on Thursday 5 December at the Rosemoor Stadium. "With the help of world-renowned rugby icons like Danie Gerber, young kids will get a wonderful chance to meet their idols and rub shoulders with them for two hours."
For those not in attendance, the entire two days will be live-streamed on DigiTV.
Tickets will cost R60 for children and R100 for adults and will be for sale at all Pick 'n Pay stores nationwide. Pre-tournament sales can be done online at www.webticket.co.za. A ticket will give the user full access to the event for one day.
There will also be a beer tent and live entertainment with national artists of the likes of Jakkie Louw and Pieter Smith performing.
For any enquiries phone Rieco van der Linde 082 780 9090 or Erika Valentyn 060 794 9629.
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