World Triathlon

uThungulu District Municipality is taking the lead in the development of sport within our six local municipalities which, with the exception of the City of uMhlathuze, comprise predominantly rural areas characterized by poverty and arduous terrain, making it extremely difficult to harness the sporting talents of our region.
uThungulu was the main sponsor of the 2005 and 2006 South African Triathlon Championships which took place in Richards Bay. This led to a development partnership between uThungulu and the Zululand Triathlon Club which resulted in workshops being held for previously disadvantaged athletes, encouraging them to participate in triathlon events.
A large group of community members were trained to officiate at the World Cup event and this year we are following the same route by ensuring that R25 500 of the R372 824 that we are sponsoring towards the 2008 Triathlon is targeted at youth development.
The district is also involved in the construction of a Multi-Purpose Sports Facility in Richards Bay, which will include a soccer stadium targeting the 2010 Soccer World Cup, as well as other infrastructure required to support these facilities and an indoor facility that will house a wide range of sporting codes.
This will greatly address the developmental needs of our broader sporting community and help build the careers of our young and future sporting greats. At uThungulu we are bridging the gap between the urban and rural areas, creating a sporting platform for true greatness.
Wishing all participants in the 2008 Triathlon an eventful and enjoyable stay in our region and that much benefit will be derived from this worthy event.