ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Showcases Drakenstein to Global Audience and Inspires Local Youngsters
Last month, the eyes of the world were on Drakenstein – and Boland Park Stadium in Paarl in particular. With the destination’s world-class sports facilities on full display, cricket enthusiasts enjoyed not only one but three electrifying double-headers on 11, 13, and 19 February 2023, respectively. And the crowds of passionate local and international cricket spectators were most certainly not disappointed.
Yvette Tsolo, Manager: Sport and Recreation at Drakenstein Municipality, to better understand the other key benefits of this World Cup (and similar sporting events) for Drakenstein as a whole. “Because an event such as this one attracts large numbers of visitors to our destination, it is a powerful catalyst for economic growth. This has a positive impact on our local economy, as spectators and visitorsspend money on accommodation, food, transportation, and other goods and services,” Yvette explains.
To appreciate the significance of hosting an event of this magnitude, it is important to recognise that the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s T20 World Cup is a major global tournament featuring only the cream of the crop. Held every four years, the Women’s T20 has been played in various locations around the world. It goes without saying then that being selected as one of only three South African host cities was a momentous feather in Drakenstein Municipality’s (sports-loving) cap! Yet the importance of hosting a mega event on home soil reaches far wider than the honour of being in the global spotlight. Vars spoke to
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VARS | March
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