Roll on the 2010 World Cup: Zuma
25 May 2009
The 2009 Indian Premier League cricket tournament ended at the Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday with a spectacular closing ceremony attended by South African President Jacob Zuma.
Speaking after the Deccan Chargers had beaten the Royal Challengers Bangalore by six runs, Zuma thanked IPL chairperson Lolit Modi for showing faith in South Africa by bringing the tournament to the country when it proved impossible to stage it in India.
"We had to host the tournament at short notice," Zuma said. "However, in little more than three weeks, the logistical challenges of preparing eight stadiums, booking hotel rooms and laying on extra flights into South Africa were met.
"This displays once again our country's ability to host tournaments of this magnitude," Zuma said. "The infrastructure, the transport, the accommodation, was in place, and the safety of our guests was well secured.
"Roll on 2010."
Zuma said the IPL had revitalised the South African economy, with well over a billion rand being spent.
"Our country has benefited from the advertising spend, the tourism potential and the global exposure that the month-long tournament has brought."
He said it had been gratifying to see tens of thousands of spectators streaming into stadiums around South Africa, even in some of the smaller venues.
The next big event
He pointed out that in three weeks' time, South Africa would host the Fifa Confederation Cup - a dress rehearsal for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
"The Confederations Cup will see some of the world's best soccer-loving nations converging on South Africa for a two-week feast of football. We urge our international guests not to rush home yet - there is a lot of fun and excitement coming up in this beautiful country."
The closing ceremony started with hundreds of helium-filled lanterns being released. The lights were dimmed and the crowd waved green and red lights as they watched the glowing lanterns move slowly into the sky.
After the President's speech, the crowd were entertained with a concert featuring stars such as R&B singer Akon, reggae singer Eddy Grant and local musicians, dancers and drummers.
Laser beams provided a kaleidoscope of colours and patterns, while acrobats suspended from giant balloons provided breathtaking aerial displays.
Sapa
