29 October, 2003 Press Release Joburg puts weight behind the Soweto Marathon The City of Johannesburg today announced a contribution of over R450 000 towards the Live broadcast of the12th Old Mutual Soweto Marathon. The marathon, scheduled for Saturday, 2nd November 2003, will set new standards for the 12-year-old sporting event as it will be first time that the event is broadcast live on television. Public broadcaster channel, SABC 2 will cover the marathon from the starting point at 5 am until the 9 am when the winners receive their prizes. City manager Pascal Moloi said the CoJ was proud to be at the forefront, acting as a pioneer supporting the growth of the Marathon. Participation by the CoJ through the contribution positions the city as a key player within the sport and tourism market. The marathon also Serves as a launch pad to theLong Walk to Freedom walkathon, scheduled for April 2004 as part of the Decade of Democracy celebrations, he said. Moloi also said the city will be distributing over 1000 water bottles, provide two water points, waver cost of putting up posters by the Old Mutual, deploy Metro Police as well as Emergency Services throughout the event. Johannesburg boasts a proud track record as a sporting city. It has on average 2 500 athletes, 50 sports companies or organisation, approximately 230 teams participating in over 24 sports codes. The city's investment in sport greatly enhances its enviable association with the sporting fraternity and community development. Sport is a significant contributor to tourism. Major sporting events such 1995 Rugby World Cup in 1995, the World Hockey Tournament held here last year, the Cricket World Cup held recently and the looming lucrative 2010 Soccer World Cup would attest to this,” Moloi added. He also pointed out that sporting in Johannesburg enhances the feelings of community identity, and offers youth positive lifestyle choices, which are crucial alternatives to self-destructive behaviour. ENDs. For more information please contact: Mbangwa Xaba Media Liaison Tel: 407 7226 Fax: 403 3494 082 467 9230