The official handover of the Netball World Cup trophy, from World Netball to Netball South Africa, hosts of the Vitality Netball World Cup 2023, took place yesterday at South Africa House, London.
The High Commissioner, J.N Mamabolo, welcomed the World Netball President, Liz Nicholl CBE, CEO Clare Briegal, and Board Director Lyn Carpenter, as well as Netball South Africa’s President Cecilia Molokwane and CEO Blanche de la Guerre, and all other dignitaries present to the proceedings.
Following the handover, the trophy will now fly to South Africa landing in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal on Africa Day, 25th May, ready to start a six-week long tour of the country, visiting all nine provinces.
Starting proceedings, The High Commissioner, Mamabolo, said: “It is our wish that South Africa’s hosting of the Vitality Netball World Cup 2023 will contribute to the growth of the sport, both at home and globally.
“It is also heartening to know that the trophy will make its way across the length and breadth of our country and in so doing, bring the sport of netball to all South Africans through fan parks and legacy projects.
Nicholl then went on to address the dignitaries present saying: “We are thrilled to be here today at South Africa House for the official handover of the Netball World Cup trophy and the official start of the ‘Trophy Tour’,
“The Road to Cape Town began back in March 2019 when Netball South Africa was awarded the rights to host the event, so although the Vitality Netball World Cup 2023 does not start until the 28th July, the preparations and activations are very much underway in South Africa, and we are really enjoying seeing the whole nation get behind them.
“I am sure this support will grow significantly as the Netball World Cup trophy heads to South Africa to start a 6-week tour.”
The Vitality Netball World Cup 2023, taking place in Cape Town South Africa from the 28th July to the 6th August at the Cape Town international Convention Centre, will be the first ever to take place on the continent of Africa.
Speaking on the importance of this Molokwane then added: “We said we wanted the trophy to land on the 25th May which is Africa Day, because this is not a ‘South African’ tournament, it might be hosted in South Africa, but it is an African tournament.”
“The Netball World Cup started in 1963, and South Africa was one of the countries participating, but only now does the Netball World Cup go to South Africa after 60 years, it is history in the making for us to say that after 60 years we can bring it to Africa.
Make sure you are following the Netball World Cup, on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to keep up to date with all the latest news from the trophy tour.
To be part of the first ever Netball World Cup on the African continent, head to the Vitality Netball World Cup 2023 website now to purchase your tickets.
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