Approximately 4100 competitors descended on eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality from all districts of the province of KwaZulu-Natal to compete in the three days of the SALGA KZN Games 2011. These athletes we accompanied by district and local mayors, councillors, technical officials, coaches, and supporters. In addition, government officials, business representatives and the media attended the various events, which attracted, in all, about 10 000 spectators.
The highly successful event received much praise from all involved. CEO of SALGA KZN Mr Sandile Ben Cele said, "We as SALGA KZN are proud that the organising and planning of these Games has improved over time. This is reflective in the wide range of guests and visitors who want to be part of these Games. In addition, the SALGA KZN Games have also become a successful sporting model for other South African provinces to follow."
Over time the Games have grown and developed as a brand. Inaugurated in 1998, and supported by major stakeholders the KZN Department for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, the much anticipated event emphasizes the important role that sport plays in society. The SALGA KZN Games have evolved from their origins in only one sporting code, namely football and now consist of 15 codes. These are rugby, cricket, swimming, ballroom dance, golf, football, volleyball, indigenous games, swimming, karate, netball, table tennis, athletics, boxing, and basketball.
The Games also continue to serve as a catalyst for broader sports participation. Selection for the events takes place at a ward, local and district municipal level within KwaZulu-Natal. The Department of Sport and Recreation has always lent financial and human resources support. The financial support has been R3.2 million this year to ensure the success of the Games. The bulk of the funds went to the team selection process at district level.
Through the qualifying events 30 000- 40 000 people compete, ensuring that mass participation in sporting activities occur. This method is especially important to people in previously disadvantaged areas, who may not often be provided the opportunity to compete in sporting events. The build-up to the games also creates an opportunity to identify sporting talents in the outlying areas of all district municipalities.
Vusi Mazibuko, the Project Manager for the SALGA KZN Games 2011, remarked about the good organisation of the games from local to district level. He said that such good organisation was a clear testimonial to the good work that the Department of Sport and Recreation was doing at ward to district levels. The remote districts also showed much improvement in the various codes in which they participated. Mazibuko also emphasized the potential to take the annual event to a higher level in the future through promoting sport in schools, creating sporting leagues and having dedicated coaches particularly at a junior level.
Sport has the ability to transcend being 'just games' through providing entertainment, promoting local economics and promoting healthy lifestyles. This event also provides a great opportunity to build the self esteem of young people. The Chairperson of SALGA KZN, Councillor Welcome Mdabe said, "It should be noted that more than anything the Games for the past 13 years have encouraged collaboration, enhance coordination, strengthened cooperation, unearthed young talent, built character, discipline and broader mass participation in sport."
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Ms Sibhidla-Saphetha, in her Games message said that the Department's support for the Games encapsulates all that the Department stands for. She said, "My Department has been with the predecessor of the SALGA KZN Games, the Kwanaloga Games since their inception. We have not only provided financial support, but also invested vastly in terms of human resources and technical expertise to ensure that the games develop to an institution that they have now become."
For more information contact Gayle McLennan-Smith (SALGA KZN)

E-mail: gayle@salgakzn.net
www.salgakzn.net
Tel 031 2671977 or 083 6530465
Visit Facebook for photos