World Congress of AIMS will be gathering in KZN during the week of Comrades - 1 June 2014
Media Release: CMA and KZN-DSR to host 20th World Congress of AIMS
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) will be the proud host of a prestigious gathering of international race organisers during the week of the world’s greatest ultra-marathon on 1 June 2014.
Funded by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport & Recreation (KZN-DSR), the 20th World Congress of AIMS (Association of International Marathons & Distance Races) will be hosted at Durban’s Elangeni Hotel from 29-31 May 2014.
This will be a first for the country and the continent, when nearly 250 event organisers of the world’s top long distance races descend on KwaZulu-Natal. The theme for the Congress is: Africa – Home of Distance Runners. Hot topics relevant to the world of road-running will be covered.
A stunning line-up of social functions are also part of the Congress week. The Local Organising Committee, led by Chairperson Cheryl Winn will be entertaining the delegates over a period of 5 days; and have put together a programme of Social Functions within which the networking aspect of the Congress will take precedence and the guests will get to relax and enjoy themselves while being informed, inspired, and entertained, on what for many will be their first visit to Africa.
The social highlights will include a Civic Welcome Reception hosted by the eThekwini Mayor; a sophisticated African Experience featuring local arts, crafts, entertainment and authentic African cuisine; a glamorous Comrades Marathon Legends Gala Dinner; and a Farewell Function at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The delegates will also have the opportunity of experiencing the 89th Comrades Marathon at the Start and also at the Finish, where there will be a specially catered AIMS VIP venue on the Finish Straight.
20th World Congress of AIMS Chairperson, Cheryl Winn says, ‘This is a very exciting time for the Comrades Marathon Association and the road-running fraternity in general. The 20th World Congress of AIMS is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year and we warmly welcome the delegates to enjoy all that KwaZulu-Natal has to offer.’
MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation in KZN Mrs. Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha says, ‘We are very pleased to be supporting this prestigious World Congress. As the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, we are looking forward to welcoming and hosting the numerous delegates in our beautiful province. We will ensure that they take back with them a great experience of our tourist offerings; as well as the warmth and hospitality of our people.’
More information may be found at: www.aims2014.co.za or www.comrades.com