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WEST INDIES CRICKET TEAM WELCOMING ADDRESS BY THE PREMIER OF THE FREE STATE, MS WINKIE DIREKO, Bloemfontein Airport, 30 January 2003
On behalf of all the citizens of the Free State I would like to extend a hearty welcome to you as you turn Bloemfontein into your home during the Cricket World Cup Series. Free Staters are friendly and hospitable people and I would commit all the citizens of our province to make your visit and stay in Bloemfontein and the Free State an unforgettable experience.
Throughout this period you will be the ambassadors of the Free State at the ICC World Cup. We expect you to spread the message of partnership, stability and tranquillity that is evident in all parts of the Free State.
As you travel to different destinations throughout the country to play your matches, be comforted by the knowledge that you are among friends and you are mostly appreciated.
It is interesting to note that this would be the 8th ICC Cricket World Cup and South Africa is the 5th country to host the series. Out of the 54 matches that will be played during the tournament, 5 matches are scheduled to be played at Good Year Park in Bloemfontein.
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 is a very important sport tourism event for the country as a whole and in particular for the Free State. A total number of 24 000 foreign visitors are expected to attend the five matches to be played in Bloemfontein during this tournament.
I commit unqualified support of the cricket loving people of the Free State not only to ICC but to all teams that will take to the pitch in Goodyear Park in this town.
I also want to express a wish that during your visit and stay in Bloemfontein, amid your tight schedule, you will find time to conduct coaching clinics in our townships. The development of sport, including cricket among the township youth is part of our reconstruction and development of the lives of our people.
As a Government, we have undertaken to promote mass participation in sport, recreation and cultural activities and to accelerate performance in sport. Our target is to have 80 % of our young people actively involved in sport. The contribution of the United Cricket Board and the Free State Cricket Board in this regard is highly appreciated. Your involvement therefore, will add momentum to this important rebuilding exercise.
Once again, enjoy your stay and experience a truly free state of mind. You are home away from home.
GOOD LUCK
Source: Free State Provincial Government (http://www.fs.gov.za)