![HOD Walters is given a courtesy gift from Wang Yong. HOD Walters is given a courtesy gift from Wang Yong.](https://www.westerncape.gov.za/sites/www.westerncape.gov.za/files/hod_walters_received_a_courtesy_gift_from_wang_yong.jpg)
On Thursday, 24 March 2016 the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) welcomed a Chinese delegation of five young sailors from the Qingdao Administration Centre of Sailing Sport on their arrival in the Western Cape.
DCAS in partnership with the Western Cape Provincial Sport Confederation (WCPSC), South African Sailing Western Cape (SASWC) and Saldanha Bay Municipality (SBM) facilitated the provincial sailing exchange program.
HOD Brent Walters officially welcomed the delegation and said that their visit is a result of the agreement with the Western Cape Government. “Now we see the fruit of that agreement”, he said.
The three young men and two young women, aged between 11 and 14, are accompanied by team leader Wang Yong and interpreter Meng Yuejiao. They will be trained by local sailors and coaches and will practice races.
The delegation will also attend the Western Cape Sailing Championships from 25 to 28 March 2016 in Saldanha Bay. The theme for the event is “giving back to the community” and 30 children from communities in Saldanha will be exposed to a full program of activities whilst supporting the sailors. Approximately 350 to 400 sailors from across the country from all disciplines and skill levels are expected to participate with fleets ranging from 5 to 30 boats.
The young Chinese sailors will participate in the Optimist Class and spectators and participants are guaranteed of a spectacular sailing experience. The weekend will be a great experience for the visiting sailors and local youth to exchange cultures and ideas. The delegation will depart to China from Cape Town International Airport early on 29 March 2016.
DCAS encourages excellence and inclusivity and unites communities to become a strong and unified nation through sport BETTER TOGETHER.
Zaghra.Savhl
Zaghra.Savhl@westerncape.gov.za
Sport Promotion
Tel: 021 483 9630