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PREPARING SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE WORLD |
2010 host city Cape Town is gearing for the next major 2010 World Cup event - the Final Draw at the International Convention Centre on December 4. FIFA will also host its executive committee meeting on Robben Island the day before. Project 2010 spoke to the city's World Cup Venue Manager about these and other issues...  What are the biggest challenges facing the 2010 Organising Committee ahead of the 2010 World Cup Final Draw on December 4? We are happy with the progress and preparations to date. We are in the final preparation stages and our focus is not on constructing and building infrastructure as much as preparing the stages and the media and television platforms. The build-up to the event at the International Convention Centre will commence on 14 November 2009. The challenge will be to ensure that everything is in place and functional by 26 November 2009, ahead of the commencement of the Draw rehearsals and the opening of the Media Centre. You have assembled a team of volunteers to assist with co-ordinating this event - what will their responsibilities be? The volunteers are a critical element of staging the event. They will be assisting in all operational areas, from welcoming the guests at the airport and hotels to accrediting all staff and service providers. Volunteers with special skills will be providing the Organising Committee with language services and IT assistance. Others will working in the media centre and assisting with VIP guest management. The volunteers will also be providing transport services to the guests. FIFA is hosting its executive committee meeting on Robben Island the day before the draw - that must also present some challenges? The only real challenge is weather as that would determine whether transport services to Robben Island will be operational. As part of the event plan, we have identified and prepared a back-up option in case of inclement weather. Overall, are you satisfied with Cape Town's preparations for the World Cup? We are looking forward to the completion of the Green Point Stadium in December and looking forward to the inaugural events in order to test and refine broader city plans for transport, disaster management and security. Our event overlay build-up is planned for March/April next year. We are comfortable that our preparations are on track. more interviews...
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