Ballito Pro Pres. By O'Neill 2021 Postponed
Event Date Moved As A Result of Adjusted Level 2 Restrictions
The continued COVID-19 pandemic entering its third wave in South Africa brings with it further restrictions and limitations, which subsequently affect large gatherings such as sporting and lifestyle events. As a result of the adjusted Level 2 lockdown measures announced by the President of South Africa on Sunday 30 May 2021, the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill scheduled for July 2021 is postponed to early December 2021.
After discussions and consultation with the KwaDukuza Municipality, the World Surf League (WSL) and Surfing South Africa (SSA) have elected to follow an abundance of caution approach and prioritise public health and safety and have made the difficult decision to move the event out of the high-risk window of the impending COVID-19 third wave. This will prevent the possibility of creating “super spreader” circumstances and bringing risk to lives at large.
“KwaDukuza Municipality in consultation with various partners, taking into account the COVID-19 third wave projections by experts who advise our government, have agreed to postpone the 2021 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill to a later date. This postponement has been done as part of responsible and responsive governance, which puts public health first. The new dates will be announced after we have surpassed the third wave. We appreciate the support and enthusiasm that has been shown by our partners, the tourism sector and our community since our announcement of the return of the Ballito Pro,” said Cllr. D Govender, Mayor of KwaDukuza.
“We are understandably disappointed to postpone the event, but it is our sincere belief that this decision is in the best interests of the competitors, officials, staff and fans. We do however look forward to hosting the event over the rescheduled dates in December,” said Paul Canning, Brand Director of O’Neill, Sector Group.
“Due to the constantly evolving situation with COVID-19, the safety of our athletes, event staff, and fans remain paramount. We stand by the decision from KwaDukuza Municipality and organisers of the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill to postpone the event until December. We look forward to returning to the shores of Ballito,” said Colin Fitch, WSL Africa Regional Manager.
“Surfing South Africa supports the decision of the KwaDukuza Municipality and the organisers of the 2021 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Sporting and Lifestyle Festival to postpone the events to later in the year. We acknowledge that this decision has been taken with the safety of the public and the participants in mind. We look forward to being part of the programme later this year,” said Robin De Kock, SSA General Manager.
The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill, the world’s longest-running professional surfing event, will become the premier event for South Africa and the African continent on the World Surf League (WSL) and Surfing South Africa (SSA) calendar for 2021, showcasing the best Men, Women and Juniors surfing at Willard Beach in KwaDukuza.
We extend our appreciation and support to our partners, athletes, local business and the broader community, at this time and will update with more details on the rescheduled event to be held at the end of the year.
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