2010 Gifts

Airports in South Africa coping well with the World Cup

2010-06-14T23:32:00.000-07:00

Airports around South Africa are coping well with the increased passenger traffic for the World Cup. The Airports Company South Africa says Cape Town International which usually hosts about 110 flights a day is now up to about 150.

Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport's Immigration desk is processing just over 3600 people per hour.

Other airports around the country have expereinced the rush of the World Cup fans following their teams around the country. Some airports are operating throughout the night.

At Belle Regalo we received a rush of calls of Friday with people deseperate for last minute soccer gear and supoorter's gear. Luckily there will be matches for some weeks to come. But is is always best to plan ahead.

Mandela hoped to make an appearance

2010-06-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

Former President Nelson Mandela said yesterday the World Cup is an important symbol of unity ariund the world. "It symbolises around the World the power of football to bring people together from all over the world regardless of language ,the colour of one's skin, political or religious persuasion," he said in a statement. Mandela's family has said that the world's statesman who turns 92 next month, is increasingly frail and rarely appears in public. However he could make a brief appearance at tommorrow's World Cup 2010 opening match between South Africa and Mexico and soccer city.
In preparation for World Cup mania people are still enquiring about Vuvuzelas; Goggolos, Supporter scarves, soccer shirts and other soccer supporter gear.

Vuvuzelas to be silent during Anthems

2010-06-09T04:01:00.000-07:00

The govrenment urged soccer fans not to blow vuvuzelas while the anthems are being played in stadiums during the world cup 2010. The government calls on South African to stand to attention with thier hand splaced on thier sides while singing the national anthem. This guideline is applied indefinately but the appeal is now being made to ensure that the world cup stadium audiences show the neccesarry respect for the South African Anthem and those of participating countries.

More Fake World Cup goods confiscated

2010-06-04T08:49:00.000-07:00

Western Cape authorities confiscated bogis World Cup bogus 2010 World Cup goods to the value of R 70 million in the last two weeks with the Western Cape border control unit saying it would intensify its campaign of fake goods.

To avoid the fake soccer goods, stick to legitimate companies with a strong long term track record. Belle Reaglo has been in business for over nine years in the corporate gifting range.

For more ideas, visit our soccer gifts and soccer clothing range.

Fly the Flag

2010-05-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

The Department of Arts and Culture has urged South Africans to fly the national flag in build up to the World Cup. This will be in addition to the Football Friday and the Fly the Flag campaign which are priving to be a roaring success nationwide. Paul Mashatile, as Deputy Arts and Culture minister said that the department wanted to be painted with the countries national colours. "We are using various platforms to get the message accross of proundly wearing our country's national symbols", he said.

Belle Regalo offers a wide range of soccer gifts. Visit our website for more ideas. Some ideas include: Mirror sox; Soccer shirts; vuvuzelas; caps; bafana bafana caps; South African Flags; supporter flags

President Jacob Zuma learns the "Diski Dance" during the 50 Days countdown

2010-04-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

President Jacob Zuma had the crowd in stitches as he treid to learn the Diski, the World Cup dance.

His theatrics capped the festivities marking 50 days to the 2010 World Cup Kick off on Wednesday. Thousands of people from the Northern Cape Province decended on Kimberley at the Galeshewe Stadium. A cacophony of drumbeats, vuvuzelas and roaring motorbikes thundered through the streets of Kimberley from as early as 8 am in a show of unity in embracing the World Cup.

Everyone is sporting their soccer supporter's shirts, if you have not yet got your staff supporter's shirts contact us on info@belleregalo.co.za We offer a range of supporter's shirts. Please note that No FIFA shirts are allowed to be co-branded, but there are a range of shirts without FIFA logos on that can be branded with your logo.

Photo by Elmond Jiyane, GCIS.

2010 Fans - Portugal

2010-02-26T22:01:00.000-08:00

The flag of Portugal is red and green, the Portuguese coat of arms is pictured where the two colours meet. The green symbolises the hope of a nation and the red is the blood of those who died defending it.

The Portugese soccer team coach Carlos Queiroz was born 1 March 1953 in Nampula Mozambique. He was the head coach of the Portuguese under 20 youth team. Quiroz was credited with dicovering the "golden generation" of Portugues football including Luis Figo, Rui Costa, Fenando Couto, Joao Viera Pinto, Jorge Costa and Vitor Baia who went on to start internationally. He coached the South African team from 2000 - 2002.

He was Alex Ferguson's assistant manager at English club Manchester United soccer team, where he has enjoyed two spells. He is currently coach of the Portugal national football team.

Soccer Team Nick name: Seleccao das Quinas (Selection of the shields of Portugal) It refers to the five shields.

Top soccer goal scorers: Paulta. Gaols 47.

Most capped soccer players: Luis Figo. Carreer: Oct 12 1991. Caps 127. Goals: 32

Current team ranking: 5 Current team points: 1176 (as of 03 February 2010)

At Belle Regalo we sell a range of colour coordinated soccer fan clothing and soccer fan gifts. They are designed not to infringe on FIFA branding regulations.

2010 Fans - Germany

2010-02-26T21:48:00.000-08:00

The German Flag is a horiozontal tricolour, with black, red and yellow stripes. The colours of the flag were the colours of the German soldiers in the Napolenic Wars.

The German coach Joachim "Jogi" Low, born 3 February 1960 in Schonau im Schwarzwald, is the coach of the Greman National football team and a former football midfielder.

German Soccer team Nickname: In Germany the team is typically referred to as the "Nationalmannschaft" (national team), "DFB-Elf" (DFB eleven) or "Nationalelf" (national eleven), whereas in foreign media, they are regularly described as the "Mannschaft" (Literally meaning "The Team").

Top Soccer Scorer in history: Gerd Muller - Goals 68

Most capped player of the soccer team: Lothar Matthaus. Career: 1980 - 2000. Caps: 150. Goals: 23.

Current ranking: 6. Points 1173 (as of 03 Feb 2010)

Ask us about our colour co-ordinated 2010 fans clothing for Germany.

2010 Fans - France

2010-02-26T21:33:00.000-08:00

France's Flag (sometimes called the Tri-colour) was first used in 1789 after the French revolution. It was officially adopted as the French national flag on February 15, 1794. The flag consists of three equal vertical bands (a tricolour) of blue (on hoist side), white and red.

The French soccer team's nick name is: Les Bleus (The Blues), L'Equipe tricolore (Tri-colour Team).

France traditiobally plays soccer in blue shirts with white shorts and red socks and are commonly referred to as the les tricolours or les bleus.

The French soccer team's coach is: Raymond Domenech (born 24 January 1952). He is a former french football player and manager of the French national soccer team. He is of Spanish and Catalan descent.

Team Ranking: 7 (as of 03 Feb). Team points 1117

Top soccer goal scorer: Thierry Henry. Career 1997 - present. Goals 51 (11).

Most capped soccer player: Lilian Thuram. Career 1994 - 2008. Caps 142. Goals 2.

2010 Fans - Argentina

2010-02-26T21:14:00.000-08:00

Argentina's flag is a light blue and white triband with a yellow "sun of May" in the center.

The Argentina's soccer team nick name is Albicelestes (White and Sky blue). The coach is Diego Armando Marandona (born 30 October 1960 in Lanus, Buenos Aires). He is a former Argentine football player and the current manager of the Argentine' national team.

Top Argentina's Goal scorer for soccer in this team's history: Gabriel Batistutu: Career 1991 - 2002 - Goals 56

Most capped player in this team's history: Javier Zanetti - Carreer 1994 to present. Caps: 136. Goals: 5

Ranking (dated 03 Feb) - Ranked 8 - Points 1082

We sell a range of colour coordinated soccer gifts and soccer clothing especially for the 2010 event.

Makarapa

2010-02-24T20:23:00.000-08:00

As the loudest and the proudest of supporters we are pleased to offer you the original Makarapa Designed by Alfred Lux Baloyi.

The Makarapa is a hand-cut and hand painted hard hat. It belongs to the typical South African football fan's supporter'sgear, and is increasingly popular with fans of other sports. Sports fans spend hours to sculpture and paint thier Makarapa's in the colours and emblems of thier club or country.

The origin of the term Makarapa goes back to the late 70's and early 80's (derived from Makarapa, meanining migrant worker and associated with the "helmets" becuase they used migrant workers in the mines of the Witwatersrand.

Today the term is a synonym for the decorated hard hat.

The Makarapa serves three purposes: It is a fan article; an individual artwork, as well as a means of promoting one's brand in the stadium as they attract a lot of media attention.

They still afford the wearer protection from missiles thrown at sporting matches,their original reason for being worn.

It's South Africa vs Mexico

2010-02-24T03:54:00.000-08:00

Hosts South Africa will play against Mexico on 11 June 2010 at 16H00 at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

Supporter's Shirt colours for South Africa are gold and green and Supporter's shirt colours for mexico can have emerald green; white and red in them.

2010 Flag Colours

2010-02-24T03:27:00.000-08:00

Australia

Argentina

While the cost of a specific country supporter's shirt may be too grand for your marketing budget for 2010, coupled with the fact that FIFA has very strict branding rules, you may want to consider buying soccer promo shirts that match the teams colours, but are not the actual shirts.

Soccer Matches at Soccer City

2010-02-22T07:40:00.001-08:00

Games played at Soccer City Stadium Soccer City: 11 June 2010Match: South Africa vs MexicoTime: 16:00
Soccer City: 14 June 2010 Match: Netherlands vs DenmarkTime: 13:30
Soccer City: 17 June 2010 Match: Argentina vs Korea RepublicTime: 20:30
Soccer City: 20 June 2010 Match: Brazil vs Ivory CoastTime: 20:30
Soccer City: 23 June 2010Match: Ghana vs GermanyTime: 20:30
Soccer City: 27 June 2010 – Preliminary RoundMatch: Team 1B vs Team 2ATime: 20:30Determined by the results of group stages

Soccer City: 02 July 2010 – Quarter FinalMatch: Team 1 vs Team 3Time: 20:30Determined by the results of group stages

Soccer City: 11 July 2010 – FinalMatch: Winner semi-final 1 vs Winner semi-final 2Time: 20:30Determined by the results of group stages

Eng, Germany 'shame on you'

2010-01-28T04:24:00.000-08:00

I was browsing through a few news paper articles about the 2010 World Cup and had to laugh when I saw a snipped of what FIFA secretary General Jerome Valcke slammed the media yesterday in Germany and England saying that they were largely responsible for portraying South Africa in a bad light.

He alledgely said" Where do we have to organise the next world cup to make everyone happy - The moon?". He urged the foreign media to afford South Africa the same respect that they did for previous World Cups in Germany, and Japan/South Korea.
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Belle Regalo is a supplier of soccer gifts and other promotional items.

End game: two more stadiums open, two to go

2010-01-21T17:37:00.000-08:00

Appeared in the Witness - 21 January 2010.

JOHANNESBURG - Two more of South Africa's 2010 World Cup Stadiums will open to the public this weekend., with matches planned in Cape Town and Polekwane.

The opening of the 70 000 seater Cape Town stadium and 45 000 Peter Mokaba stadium means just two more venues have to be completed before pre-tournament testing before the World Cup.

These are the Johannesburg's soccer city, which will host the Tournament's opening match on June 11 and the final a month later, and Nelspruit's Mbombela Stadium.

To see the full report visit: The Witness

For 2010 gifts and all soccer gifts and promotional gifts, visit http://www.belleregalo.co.za/

A different view of 2010

2010-01-21T16:16:00.000-08:00

This year is the big 2010 soccer event. But what do you do if your clients are just not that into soccer. What if the sound of the mighty vuvuzela makes them want to run for cover? What if the thought of crowds and the 2010 traffic is just too much to bear?

You could run for cover and take a month long vacation or you could start acting smart and buy all of your key clients web cams for video conferencing. Why not come up with a campaign specifically aimed at letting your clients feel at ease about operating in 2010.

Rules when using FIFA approved 2010 gifts

2009-09-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

There are specific rules when using FIFA approved 2010 gifts. Please make sure that you are aware of the rules to prevent legal action being taken against your firm.
When purchasing corporate gifts with the FIFA 2010 logo on them, you will need to sign an agreement that states the following:
The Products will only be distributed directly to customers, stockholders, employees or suppliers as an expression of appreciation or achievement.
Under no circumstances will the Products be sold or exchanged for any goods or services including being provided as a promise or an on-going business relationship.
Under no circumstances will the Product be marketed or promoted so as to suggest that they are meant for sale to the public.
The Product will not be exported without the knowledge and approval of the Product Supplier.
The Products will not be provided or bundled with other gifts or products, or branded with any marks or logos in a way as to create an association that the giver or the Product Supplier, or is associated with, FIFA or any FIFA sponsor, affiliate, competition or partner.
The Company will not to make any written or oral statement or do anything, including displaying the Products or likeness of the Product in public, including by electronic means, in a way that could reasonably be interpreted that the Company is affiliated or associated with the Product Supplier or FIFA.

Puma setting its sights on Africa

2009-07-23T04:50:00.000-07:00

As Africa gears to host its first World Cup, Puma is also setting its sights on the continent. With partnerships with national teams, using sub-Saharan cotton and dyes, the equipment and clothing manufacturer is relying on the event to consolidate its position locally. The German brand has therefore made it known that in the second half of 2009, 2% of its clothing lines will integrate cotton produced in Africa.
Plan ahead for your 2010 clothing needs.

Lawsuit over ‘fake’ memorabilia

2009-01-06T04:29:00.000-08:00

Ryan Giggs and his Manchester United team mates during a training session in South Africa last year. Manchester United Limited, which manufactures trade marked United memorabilia, says there has been a major increase in fake goods in the build-up up to the 2010 World Cup.

On Tuesday it will apply for a default judgment in the Cape High Court against a local store accused of selling branded soccer clothing. The shop owner has denied the allegations, saying he will defend the action in court.
Photo: Project 2010

Belle Regalo sells a range of accredited sports bags. The minimum order is 500 units per style. Visit the Belle Regalo site on www.belleregalo.co.za

Wind power project

2009-01-06T04:23:00.000-08:00

South Africa’s state-run power utility Eskom plans to start operating wind turbines this year to boost the supply of electricity. It’s a welcome relief for organisers of the 2010 World Cup who have come under fire following rolling blackouts around the country last year. Eskom spokesperson Fani Zulu on Monday confirmed that 50 wind turbines will be erected over the next 12 months. Eskom, FIFA and the 2010 LOC have also established contingency plans to ensure that the tournament will not be affected. This includes the construction of ’pocket’ power stations at each stadium which will supply electricity 24 hours before each match to ensure that any power disruptions to the national grid will not impact on the tournament.
For 2010 gift ideas visit Belle Regalo’s website www.belleregalo.co.za . Belle Regalo sells a wide range of soccer gifts.

Service with a smile

2008-12-17T20:39:00.000-08:00

More than 280 metered taxi drivers have been trained in Cape Town. Transport Department spokesman Aniela Gella on Wednesday said the training would ensure an improved public transport service during the 2010 World Cup and beyond. The programme was customised for the drivers to become 2010 tour guides. The four-month training module which also comprised practical skills needed to ensure the safety and comfort of tourists, was approved by the tourism, hospitality and sport education and training authority.
For soccer gifts contact Belle Regalo.

Summit to promote post-2010 benefits

2008-12-12T21:19:00.000-08:00

The upcoming Tourism Investor Summit aims to capitalise on the 2010 World Cup by attracting major sporting event bids between over the next decade. Africa Investor which is hosting the event on 27 February says the World Cup will pave the way for Africa to host major events that will promote international tourism investment. The summit will also focus on leveraging 2010 legacy projects for shareholder returns. ‘We welcome the approach SA is taking to ensure the 2010 World Cup benefits the rest of the continent and we are happy to support that goal. We expect a commercially and logistically successful 2010 and believe tourism and economic development will pass to other African,’ said Hubert Danso, Vice Chairman of Africa investor.

For more information visit:
http://www.africa-investor.com/
For 2010 gift ideas visit: http://www.belleregalo.co.za/gifts/2010_LowCost.htm

Major World Cup tenders rejected

2007-10-22T23:52:00.001-07:00

The city of Cape Town has rejected three tender bids by prospective operators for its
68 000-seater World Cup stadium in Greenpoint. ‘The bid evaluation committee came to the conclusion that none of the bids meet the city's require-ments and recommends that the bid not be awarded and be re-advertised,’ the city said in a statement. The tender is for the operation of the stadium and a multi-purpose 90-hectare theme park on the site. Among the heavyweights who had submitted tenders was Investec Bank which provided the city with R185m in bridging finance to assist with the construction of the R2.5 billion stadium which will host a 2010 semi-final. The consortium includes Venfin Media Investments, Western Province Rugby Union and the SAIL group.

Should you be part of any of the 2010 world cup functions and require 2010 gifts visit www.belleregalo.co.za for 2010 gifting ideas or visit our blog: http://2010gifts.blogspot.com/

Fifa heavy weights monitor progress

2007-10-16T23:08:00.000-07:00

The Board of Directors of the 2010 Organising Committee South Africa which met in Johannesburg yesterday, have once again expressed confidence in the country’s World Cup preparations, saying the past month has been ‘particularly good’.

Fifa General Secretary Jerome Valcke who attended the meeting, said that ‘as always’ stadium construction was an important issue which is being closely monitored, but stressed: ‘We at Fifa are confident that we are on track and that we are going the right way.’ The committee’s operational budget for the next financial year was approved at the meeting. There were also discussions on the official 2010 Fifa World Cup poster, which will be unveiled during the Preliminary Draw in Durban on November 25.

Should you be part of any of the 2010 functions and require 2010 gifts visit www.belleregalo.co.za for 2010 gifting ideas.

Local companies get UK platform

2007-10-14T22:07:00.001-07:00

SA will be sending an entire delegation of the country’s top businesses to London in the new year for a major trade and industry exhibition which will showcase various 2010 World Cup projects. The Big Business Expo is supported by the Department of Trade and Industry. With the World Cup just 32 months away, the expo will market SA at a critical time, exposing potential visitors to the possibilities that exist in order to stimulate an influx of investors both in the private and public sectors. ‘Both tourism and 2010 have truly positioned South Africa on the global map. We continue to grow from strength to strength, paving the way for big and small companies to do big business in foreign markets. All they need is the platform,’ said organiser Sue Gannon.

2010 This week

2007-10-14T22:06:00.001-07:00

15 – 17: 2007 AMEU Convention. The convention theme is ‘Phezu Komkhono’ (Get on with it) and South Africa’s 2010 World Cup preparations will be one the issues under discussion (Durban)

15: 2010 World Cup issues expected to be addressed when President Thabo Mbeki hosts high-level delegation from Brazil (Presidential Guesthouse - Pretoria)

15: South Africa vs Italy - international friendly (Siena)

17 – 20: Botswana’s 2010 World Cup preparations under the spotlight at Global Expo to attract foreign direct investment and promote joint venture opportunities between citizens and foreign investors (Gaborone)

17: Local Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan to address Ghanaian and African sports media practitioners on SA’s 2010 preparations (Accra)

19: Draw for the 2008 MTN Nations Cup finals. The 16 qualifiers will be drawn into four groups of four for the tournament, which runs from January 20 to February 10.

Fifa delegation to inspect WC stadia

2007-10-07T23:06:00.002-07:00

A Fifa inspection tour of four 2010 host cities kicks off on Monday and the Local Organising Committee says it is confident the delegation will find the project ‘well on track’.

The team is composed of experts in competitions, marketing, IT, media, accommodation, security, stadium construction and transportation.

The tour starts at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg and will continue to Cape Town and Nelson Mandela Bay the following day. It will culminate in a visit to Durban on Wednesday where the delegation will visit the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre, the location of the Preliminary Draw on November 25 which will mark the global kick-off of the journey to the 2010 World Cup.

2010 This week

2007-10-07T23:06:00.001-07:00

8: Media accreditation deadline for the 2010 preliminary draw. The process is being conducted exclusively online (www.fifa.com)

8 - 10: Fifa delegation tours four of the nine host cities to look at the stadium building progress and to get an update on the preparations for the 2010 World Cup Preliminary Draw in Durban on November 25.

9: Technology and Design - Changing the Face of South Africa: 2010 and Beyond. Address by Clem Sunter, world renowned strategist and best selling author (Sandton)

11 – 14: Zimbabwe International Travel Expo which will showcase 2010 World Cup preparations.

12: World Cup scenarios addressed when the African Institute of SA holds a seminar on ‘The Solution to Zimbabwe Crisis: A Civil Society Dialogue’ (Pretoria)

12: Launch of the Mata Mata Tourist Access Facility between and Namibia within the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. This access facility will see the region benefiting from the 2010 Fifa World Cup by showcasing its unique eco-tourism products.

13 - 14: 2007 FNB-sponsored Homecoming Revolution event which will highlight SA's 2010 World Cup preparations (London).

13: First African 2010 qualifying matches: Seychelles v Djibouti; Sierra Leone v Guinea-Bissau; Central African Republic v Sao Tome and Principe; Somalia v Swaziland and Madagascar v Comoros.

14: Fifa will inspect the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole for the second time to ascertain the stadium’s readiness 2010 qualifiers.

Sponsors help swell Safa’s coffers

2007-10-02T23:11:00.000-07:00

01 October 2007 – The Sowetan
Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Soft-drink giant Coca-Cola and supermarket chain Pick ’n Pay have come on board as sponsors of the South African Football Association.
This was announced by Safa president Molefi Oliphant at their annual general meeting in Kempton Park on Saturday.

The two major companies will each contribute a total of R20 million to the coffers of the soccer federation over five years.

“They are the suppliers to the national teams and Safa,” said Oliphant, whose body has reduced its financial deficit from R98 million to R44 million.
“We are naturally delighted that the two companies will be assisting us in the next five years. It’s good for the development of football in our country.”

Oliphant also confirmed that the AGM resolved to close down SA Football Pty Ltd, the commercial wing of Safa, as per the new tax laws of the country.

SA Football Pty Ltd – which was led by deputy president Mwelo Nonkonyana – will wind up its affairs and furnish Safa with a closing report within 90 days.
The commercial wing’s staff members will be absorbed by Safa.
The proposed new legislation gives South African sports federations until December 2009 to close their commercial wings.

All federations are now by law required to have only one structure. In this case all the activities relating to amateur soccer will be run by Safa.
“For us the announcement (legislation) came at the right time. We felt there was no need to go any further with the activities of the commercial wing,” said Oliphant.
The Lekoa soccer leader-cum-businessman said issues relating to the constitution of Safa will be discussed at a special general meeting on December 1.
“We will discuss things like amending the Safa constitution in line with those of Fifa and CAF statues. There will also be a presentation of the latest (developments) relating to the 2010 World Cup preparations.”

On the formal request by Safa Soweto to be awarded regional status, Oliphant said there was a task team dealing with the matter. But he was quick to point out that the task team was looking into all the metros, Johannesburg included.
“We are not only looking into the issue raised by people from Soweto. The task team will give us a report on December 1.”

Meanwhile, Safa has appointed veteran soccer administrators Leepile Taunyane and Vincent Baartjies as honorary life members.
Safa is also planning to organise more competitions for junior soccer

Sewerage project to offer fertile opportunities

2007-09-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

The Sedibeng Municipality will embark on an extensive sewer upgrade to create business opportunities, improve basic services and boost tourism in the area.

According to Colin Mokoena, spokesperson for the Sedibeng Municipality, the project is in the detailed design stage and they are still completing the Environmental Impact Assessment. No tenders have been awarded yet and the entire upgrade is expected to be completed in time for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Broad-based black economic empowerment targets have been set for this R614 million project, so there are ample business possibilities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). “It will involve the laying of pipes and construction works, so there will be opportunities for small and larger contractors,” Mokoena says.

Further to construction opportunities, the municipality hopes that the project will boost the tourism industry and attract investment. Mokoena explains that once an area has infrastructure and basic services to accommodate more people, then more businesses will meet the greater demand for services and become attractive investment options.
. For more information about the upgrade, visit www.sedibeng.gov.za.

Concern over WC sex tourism

2007-09-18T22:08:00.000-07:00

Durban sex workers are calling on the authorities not to legalise prostitution for the 2010 World Cup. The issue is fast becoming a hot potato with police chiefs admitting that they are unsure of how to handle the issue. A group of past and present sex workers have spoken out about sex tourism. They say the emphasis should be on encouraging women away from this profession by giving them alternatives.

Earlier this year, police commissioner Jackie Selebi expressed his concerns about ’soccer hooligans’ who are expected to imbibe in public places and those who would feel the urge to pick up prostitutes.

The South African Law Reform Commission says it is looking at the experiences of other countries like Germany and Australia which have legalised prostitution.

Volunteers on board for preliminary draw

2007-09-16T22:51:00.000-07:00

KwaZulu-Natal’s department of sports and recreation has begun the process of signing up volunteers for the 2010 World Cup. Jomo Biyela, the Durban’s 2010 World Cup strategic manager confirmed that the issue was finalised this weekend and the first recruits will be deployed for the 2010 preliminary draw in the city in November.

‘Those volunteers will be trained by experts on how to do whatever we are going to sign them up to do as part of the tournament.’ The volunteers will be separated into two groups – general and specific. He said his department which is working closely with the Local Organising Committee (LOC), has set aside a budget to train volunteers. The LOC says it will sign up 15 000 volunteers nationally to assist in staging a successful tournament.

R19bn upgrade for airports

2007-09-03T22:18:00.000-07:00

The Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) says it will be spending in excess of R19 billion on infrastructure to accommodate growing passenger numbers through its 10 airports around the country. About R4.9bn of the budgeted expenditure is being spent in the 12-month period to March 2008. With the 2010 World Cup looming fast, Acsa is expecting passenger numbers to grow to 45m from the current 32.8m. Passenger demand has been affected by the entry of low cost carriers into the market.
Photo: Project 2010

Joburg stadiums on track

2007-08-26T23:02:00.000-07:00

Linda Ngwenya, the director of Johannesburg’s 2010 unit says construction projects at the city’s stadiums are ahead of schedule. And construction projects at Soweto’s Orlando Stadium (above) which will be used as a training facility in 2010 are also on target. ‘Well-equipped soccer stadiums, legacy projects, an integrated public transport system, greening the city, getting ready for an avalanche of tourists - all these projects are far advanced and in every case will be finished well in time,’ he said.
Photo: www.joburg.co.za

For great soccer gifts and 2010 gifts visit the on-line catalogue on the Belle Regalo Corporate Gifts website on www.belleregalo.co.za.

2010 This Week

2007-08-26T22:49:00.001-07:00

27 – 29: Eastern Cape provincial government hosts all-inclusive workshop focusing on the progress of 2010 World Cup programmes (East London)

29: Deadline for journalists planning to cover the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Zambia in Cape Town on 9 September to apply for accreditation.

30: Various World Cup upgrading projects under the spotlight when SANParks chief executive David Mabunda unveils national program for SA National Parks Week (Pretoria)

31: Entries close for the South African Breweries Environmental Journalists and Environmentalist of the Year Awards. For the first time, the awards will be carbon friendly, and this will be achieved by planting fruit trees in Soweto as part of a township greening project for the World Cup.

31: Tender deadline for the upgrade and extension of the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg in preparation for the World Cup.

1: South Africa’s former Formula One world champion, Jody Scheckter, hands over the first of 11 000 trees he has sponsored to the community of Dobsonville, Soweto as part of the World Cup greening project.
OTHER: The deadline for submitting objections to the proposed prohibition on the use of certain words and emblems for the World Cup has been extended from August 2 to October 2.

2007-08-23T22:54:00.001-07:00

24 August 2007

An artist’s impression of the multimillion-rand development project which is under way in Doornfontein where Ellis Park, a 2010 World Cup venue, is situated. Amos Masondo, the city’s mayor, this week said the project is already a resounding success. The regeneration and renewal of the precinct will also include Doornfontein, Berea and Bertrams, which are regarded as crime- and drug-infested areas of the inner city. The development will create an access road network to the stadium from the north.

Image: City of Johannesburg

Belle Regalo offers a range of soccer gifts for companies involved in 2010 projects.

Stadium tender misses deadline

2007-08-23T01:18:00.000-07:00

23 August 2007

The award of the tender to run Green Point Stadium after the 2010 World Cup has been delayed for at least another month to allow the city time to interview the three bidders.

The 30-year lease, which has an estimated R260-million present day value, was originally scheduled to be awarded in August.

But the tender evaluation committee has decided that it wants to meet the bidders face-to-face to clarify their bids.

The city is however remaining silent on exactly what the bidders are proposing to ensure the stadium produces an income and how it will manage the adjacent urban park.

By the end of the July 10 extended deadline, three submissions involving seven companies had been received.

City 2010 spokesperson Pieter Cronje said on Monday all three submissions complied with the tender criteria and were now being weighed up against each other.

The city has also declined to name the companies involved.

For low cost gifts for large promotions and soccer gifts visit our on-line catalogue on www.belleregalo.co.za

PE has lost one of its WC tourism drawcards

2007-08-22T01:56:00.000-07:00

22 August 2007

Being originally from Port Elizabeth, this news is rather sad to me. It seems that PE has lost one of its WC tourism drawcards. Port Elizabeth’s two remaining dolphins – Domino and Dumisa – are expected to be relocated to another city in SA as part of a multi-million rand upgrade to the Bayworld Oceanarium ahead of the 2010 World Cup. As a result, they will not feature as a tourism drawcard during the World Cup or Confederations Cup. The city is hosting matches for both tournaments, including the World Cup third-place play-off. Funding for the Bayworld redevelopment has mushroomed to R500-million.

Tourism is the ideal industry to make use of corporate gifts as they use branded t-shirts; branded peaks; branded caps.

The Oceanarium in its present form was constructed over a period of 10 years, the first phase of which was the 750 000-litre main fish tank which was built in 1959.

After housing dolphins for a number of years, the pool was re-established as a fish tank in 1968 when the new dolphin lake was completed and is now home to a wide variety of large fish, sharks, rays and turtles.

Alongside it is the smaller tropical tank where a variety of the invertebrates and small fish species found along this coastline are displayed.

The large dolphin lake is undoubtedly the focal point of the Oceanarium. 60m long, 45m at its widest point and up to 4,5m deep, it contains 4,75 million litres of filtered seawater and is still one of the largest dolphin lakes in the world.

Photo: Project 2010

Jordaan addresses WC crime concerns

2007-08-20T23:15:00.000-07:00

21 August 2007

2010 Local Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan on Monday deflected concerns about the crime situation in SA, saying the country has hosted numerous sporting events without incident. Addressing a World Cup 2010 briefing at South Africa House in London, Jordaan said the fact that tourism figures have increased by record numbers indicated that the situation is under control. ‘Ask those who came for the rugby World Cup. The cricket World Cup, the African Cup of Nations - not a single incident. We had Barcelona, we had England, Argentina, Germany, all of the big teams in the world playing. Not a single incident in SA over 13 years around any of our major events.’ Jordaan also said SA was well on target with its various 2010 stadium projects.

2007-08-20T00:51:00.000-07:00

20 August 2007

Some interesting news in Johannesburg is that The Expo Centre in Nasrec looks set to host the 2010 World Cup International Broadcast Centre (IBC), the media nerve centre that will disseminate all match information of the tournament to billions of viewers all over the world. While the decision is yet to be endorsed by Fifa, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) recommended to the cabinet that Johannesburg be the host centre of the IBC. The cabinet also gave its approval. Cape Town and Durban were also in the running. Nasrec, the Expo Centre, in the west of Johannesburg, is big enough to accommodate the IBC – with all the international broadcasters the event draws, according to Linda Ngwenya, director for the City's 2010 unit.

The City of Johannesburg has identified Nasrec as an area requiring economic, social and environmental rejuvenation and upliftment. Which is a great feather in the cap of this acclaimed venue. It may be interesting to note that Belle Regalo is a supplier of conference gifts from folders, conference bags, pens, conference gifts, banners and many other conference ideas.

2010 This Week

2007-08-20T00:27:00.000-07:00

21-23: State Information Technology Agency (SITA), hosts annual GovTech conference. 2010 issues including disaster management and how to extend the services that will have to be delivered for the World Cup will be on the agenda. (Cape Town)

22: Scotland vs South Africa – international friendly (Aberdeen)

22- 25: Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition. How the SA music industry should position itself in the run up to the 2010 Fifa World Cup will be debated (Museum Africa – Newtown)

25: The South Pacific Games football tournament which kicks off in Samoa will double as Oceania's opening Fifa 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

26: The official draw for the third Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup will be conducted by Fifa General Secretary Jérôme Valcke (Marseilles, France)

OTHER: The deadline for submitting objections to the proposed prohibition on the use of certain words and emblems for the World Cup has been extended from August 2 to October 2.

The Royal Bafokeng Administration is calling for the upgrade and extension of the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in preparation for the World Cup. The tender closes on August 31.

South Africa Scores with Soccerex

2007-08-17T23:57:00.000-07:00

18 August 2007

As I research more and more about soccer, I am finding out that the marketing opportunities are amazing. One of the events to look out for in the 2007 soccer events calendar is Soccerex.

Soccerex, the world's biggest exhibition in the soccer industry, will take place in South Africa from 26 - 28 November 2007. In its 11th year, Soccerex is moving to South Africa hosted by the Gauteng Province at the Sandton Convention Centre

Winning the right to host the event is a major coup for the country, as it will bring soccer associations, football clubs, businesses and the media from all over the world to Gauteng province from November 2007 to 2009. It will also boost the country's build-up to the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

Now in its tenth year, Soccerex is the only convention that gives exhibitors and delegates the opportunity to network with suppliers, manufacturers, key buyers and decision-makers in international football. It attracts football legends, top football clubs and football playing nations.

Football brings people together.

Branded soccer shirts with company logos provide a functional billboard and an interactive marketing tool. Custom printing of soccer shirts, t-shirts, golf shirts and more soccer gifts such as vuvuzelas, soccer balls, soccer pens, soccer radios, soccer clocks, caps.

The Gauteng Province is the economic powerhouse of South Africa : responsible for over a third of the country's GDP, the economic growth and output of Gauteng outstrips the rest of the country and leads the continent.

Soccer and football sponsorship and branding can be summarized in this illustration: The striker moves into position, smoothes his shirt with his name across the back and ... sport is such a good brand-builder, advertising and marketing tool, but you have start positioning yourself now for this momentous event in South African soccer history.

2010 this week

2007-08-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

12 – 18 August 2007

14: 2010 issues under the spotlight at Convention on Intellectual Property Rights in Emerging Countries (Sandton Convention Centre)

15: The International Marketing Council of SA, together with the 2010 National Communication Partnership Task Team hosts a conference to answer the question 'how do we brand Africa to the world in the lead up to 2010?' (Sandton Convention Centre)

16: Deadline for media personnel travelling to Scotland for next week’s international friendly to submit their details to Safa’s Director of Communications.

16 – 19: 2010 Business Opportunities Conference presents ordinary South Africans with the business opportunities available in the upcoming World Cup. The conference, taking place alongside the Cape Town Small Business Week, will have a heavy focus on identifying business opportunities in the tourism, hospitality, construction, property, transport and wholesale/retail sector.

19: Sihlangu Indaba on business opportunities on the 2010 World Cup (Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre – Mbabane, Swaziland)

Should you be involved in the 2010 bid, why not let the world know by getting branded gifts from a wide variety of soccer gifts and 2010 gifts.

LOC: Why SA will deliver successful WC

2007-08-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

17 August 2007

LOC: Why SA will deliver successful WC. South African organisers for the first soccer World Cup in Africa reiterated their confidence that the country can deliver a successful tournament while beating pessimism on the African continent.

Much preparatory work had been done and many others are well on the track for the 2010 World Cup, Danny Jordaan, CE of the tournament’s LOC, said, citing the finalised match schedule, sold broadcast rights, established website and new stadiums under construction.

The Xinhuanet reports that Jordaan said the preliminary draw, the first official event as run-up to the 2010 World Cup, will be held in Durban on November 25, with the highest number of countries ever had entered for the event.

This marketing event is going to be spectacular. We suggest that you start capataising on the marketing opportunities by planning your soccer promotional gifts soon. Ideas include, soccer balls, stadium horns, caps, soccer shirts.