OWEN KOCK
Bloemfontein. – This weekend see the second Reconcilliation Challenge in the Free State Stadium.
MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Dan Kgothule, in his budget vote speech on 6 April 2011 said, in their quest to promote social cohesion, nation building and sport tourism in the province, they will annually host a soccer, rugby and golf Reconciliation Challenge.
“This programme will happen over a long weekend. The Challenge will involve Free State soccer outfit playing any other PSL soccer team, as well as the provincial rugby team against another franchise team,” Kgothule said.
In the Cabinet Meeting held on 14 November 2012, the Executive Council further agreed that the Reconciliation Challenge, featuring rugby and soccer, should be retained as an annual event in the province that is scheduled to take place in January each year.
The Reconciliation Challenge for 2013, dubbed “The clash of the Titans” will take place on 2 February 2013, with a “Reconciliation Walk” and “Teams Parade” taking place on 1 February 2013 to create awareness for the event.
Bloemfontein Celtic will take on Supersport United FC with the Toyota Cheetahs battling the DHL Stormers. In the true spirit of reconciliation, this year’s event is also held on the same day as former President Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. It is therefore fitting to host the Reconciliation Challenge on 2 February, as reconciliation is something Madiba inspired.
On 1 February, the Reconciliation walk starting at 07h00 at the UFS Main Building with registration starting at 06h00, will take place.
The teams parade will be between 15h00 and 17h00 at the Twin City Mall and the Waterfront and on 2 February (matchday) the Free State Stadium will be in full swing between 13h00 and 19h00.
Spectators will need a ticket to enter, but the tickets are free of charge, available at the Free State Stadium and the offices of Bloemfontein Celtic.
