The Netball World Cup 2023 commenced with a captivating and culturally rich candle-lighting ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa on Wednesday, just two days before the event's commencement.
Dating back to the inaugural tournament in Eastbourne, England, in 1963, the captains of all participating nations partake in this ritual. The ceremony involves lighting a candle and taking an oath to uphold the spirit of true friendship and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
In a symbolic gesture, a representative of the match officials also lights a candle, pledging to officiate with fairness and impartiality, strictly adhering to the game's rules.
Over the years, the candle-lighting ceremony has evolved into an emblem of international netball, commemorating the worldwide impact of the sport and representing its history and camaraderie.
Addressing the 16 teams, tournament officials, and esteemed dignitaries, including South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Zizi Kodwa, President of World Netball Dame Liz Nicholl DBE expressed, "This ceremony embodies and reinforces our netball values. Within the heart of this thrilling and fiercely competitive world-class competition, lies an undercurrent of friendship and respect that we experience every day. This is an opportunity to reconnect with members of the Netball Family from around the globe."
Nicholl highlighted that 42 countries, over 500 athletes, and numerous coaches and officials participated in the five regional qualifying tournaments leading up to the Netball World Cup 2023 in Cape Town.
"We are now gathered here with the best 16 teams in the world and 23 world-class technical officials, ready for what we know will be ten days of absolutely fantastic competition," she said.
The vibrant ceremony offered visiting teams a glimpse of the exuberance and colours they could expect at the first-ever Netball World Cup on African soil.
Scheduled from 28th July to 6th August at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the Netball World Cup 2023 promises an unforgettable sporting extravaganza. To purchase tickets, explore travel packages, and find additional information on the tournament, please visit the official website (www.nwc2023.org.za), where various tickets and packages are still available.
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