Bringing Sport and Business Together | Western Cape Government

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Bringing Sport and Business Together

11 March 2013

Sport can help reduce crime and create jobs, according to Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Dr Ivan Meyer. Speaking at the inaugural Future in Sport Business Conference held in Cape Town on 7 and 8 March 2013, Meyer emphasised the key role that business can play to support economic development through sport.

The event is a partnership between the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Nedbank, Cape Town TV and the four Western Cape universities to maximise the potential contribution of sport to a range of societal goals. An important part of this initiative is greater academic rigour in sports research.

The conference provided a platform for the sports industry, athletes, government, academics and students to engage with each other on current challenges and future opportunities within the growing business of sport in South Africa.

Topics included “Globalisation and Business of Sport”; “Beyond 2010 – Events, Tourism and Legacy”; “The Future of Branding and Sponsorship”; “The Business of Sport Development and Investment”; “Drugs and Cheating”; “The Future of High Performance – Science and Business”; “Sport Governance and Financial Management”; and “Innovations in Sport Studies and Research”. There was a high level of interaction between members of the audience and presenters.

Dr Meyer told the audience that sport can play a key role in the fight against poverty and crime as it has the potential capacity to create jobs. “We are mindful that doing this successfully requires all role-players, including the private sector, to be able to contribute to policy development and implementation, and also the building of a vibrant entrepreneurial sector within sport.” The Minister added that a higher business profile in sport can improve wellness in the workplace as well as contributing positively to sport tourism in the Western Cape.

Prof. Simeon Davies of Cape Peninsula University of Technology said the conference achieved its goal. It brought together partners to share visions of the future and develop partnerships to support growth and sustainability in the sport business industry. “We were fortunate to have presenters with high levels of expertise. The conference was a resounding success”, said Prof. Davies.

The likely outcome of this conference is improved policy development and implementation and improved service delivery for the inhabitants of the Western Cape.

Media Enquiries: 

Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson for the Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Dr Ivan Meyer
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 3261
E-mail: Daniel.Johnson@westerncape.gov.za

Or

Prof Simeon Davies
Head of Department: Sport Management
Faculty of Business
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Tel: 021 680 1575
E-mail: davies@cput.ac.za