The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) in partnership with the non-governmental organisation, Cape Mental Health, bid farewell to Cape Town based kiters Ashley and Mari Ware-Lane, who will depart to China this week to participate in the Weifang International Kite Festival from 15 – 19 April 2016 and the Beijing International Kite Festival from 20 – 24 April 2016.
This has been made possible through an on-going partnership with DCAS and the Shandong Sports Bureau in China where local athletes are given the opportunity to participate in sporting events in China, with the Western Cape, in return, hosting Chinese athletes.
Ashley and Mari started kiting as a hobby and have been significantly involved in the Cape Mental Health, Cape Town International Kite Festival for over 10 years. This will be the couple’s first opportunity to travel overseas. “This is an experience of a lifetime for both of us, especially because Weifang in China is where the first kite was flown a few thousand years ago,” said Ashley.
Bennett Bailey, Deputy Director at DCAS, wished the couple well with their endeavours in China. “The partnership with the Shandong Sports Bureau is really a match made in heaven. We are pleased to support Ashley and Mari as they will be participating in the mecca of international kite flying events,” he said.
DCAS is committed to talent identification and skills development as it enables our sportspeople to compete at international level and display their excellence internationally, BETTER TOGETHER
Tania Colyn
Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: tania.colyn@westerncape.gov.za