2008 WUC Golf: Opening Ceremony
September 2nd, 2008
The players and coaches from France, Malaysia, Slovakia and Slovenia also arrived in Sun City yesterday. 18 countries - 44 female players, 68 male players and 48 officials, totally 160 participants - are competing by tomorrow on the famous Gary Player Course in Sun City. Eight observers from Malaga, host city of the 13th WUC Golf, are also present in South Africa in order to prepare their event in Spain in 2010. After an intensive practice day on the competition course, all the delegations were invited to the Opening Ceremony in the Grand Ballroom.
It was a great honour for FISU, but also for USSA, the Organizing Committee as well as for all the players and officials, that the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mrs Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka joined the Opening Ceremony. She welcomed all the players, coaches and guests in South Africa and officially declared the 12th World University Golf Championship open. Making a joke, the Deputy President said, that her personal handicap is a state secret. Before her welcome address another high ranked Lady, Ms Edna Molewa, Premier of the North West, thanked FISU to be given South Africa and Sun City the chance to host this prestigious event. On behalf of 3.4 millions of inhabitants of her province, she heartily welcomed all delegations and stressed the fact, that Sun City hosted many important Golf tournaments so far.
USSA President Glen Bentley, FISU EC member Leonz Eder, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa Mrs. Mlambo-Ngcuka, Premier of the North West, Mrs. Edna Molewa and Vice-Chancellor of the TUT, Professor Errol Tyobeka at the Opening Ceremony
"The best players and the best teams may win, but enjoy also the South African hospitality", Mrs. Molewa said. On behalf of the Tshwane University of Technology, Professor Errol Tyobeka welcomed "the stars of the next few days" and added: "This tournament in the home of champions belongs to you!” Glen Bentley, the President of University Sport South Africa (USSA), was impressed by the fact that two very powerful ladies were present at the Opening Ceremony and thanked the representatives of the State and Province Government for their interest and support of Student Sport in general and the World University Golf Championship in particular.
On behalf of FISU, EC Member Leonz Eder expressed the best wishes and greetings for the 12th World University Golf Championship. He pointed out the major role, which USSA plays in the FISU. USSA has not only successfully organized the 7th WUC Golf 1998 at San Lameer and the FISU Forum in Capetown, but will - besides of the 2008 WUC Golf - also host the 2008 WUC Field Hockey in December this year. Additionally five important officials represent South Africa in FISU, among them Dr. Malumbete Ralethe as 1st Assessor in the FISU EC and Louis Nel as Vice-Chair of the CIC were also present yesterday night. After raising the FISU flag and playing the FISU anthem, a banquet was opened, and surrounded by traditional African dancing and singing performances.
The Deputy President of South Africa, Mrs. Mlambo-Ngcuka receives a FISU gift from Leonz Eder, assisted by Dr. Malumbethe Ralethe and Alberto Gualtieri
Deputy President of South Africa Mrs. Mlambo-Ngcuka (middle) and Premier of North West, Mrs. Edna Molewa (second lady from right), together with FISU Officials and USSA representatives.
Team USA relaxing after finishing the practise round
