Knysna will be the base camp destination for both France and Denmark during the period of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
France has confirmed that they will be based at the Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa and Denmark at the equally luxurious Simola Golf and Country Estate. Mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies said they were delighted. “I think it is a major coup for a small town like Knysna to host two teams. I want to congratulate our 2010 team on this achievement and we are looking forward to hosting both Les Bleus and the Danish Dynamites in Knysna.”
Bouw-Spies said preparations had started to ensure the town was ready for the influx of media, sponsors and fans. “The municipality is already in the process of upgrading public facilities and the main tourist areas. The Danish team will be using Loerie Park, Knysna’s biggest public sporting facility, as a practice field. Simola has offered their expertise and will work with us to make sure the pitch meets FIFA and the Danish team’s standards. France will use Field of Dreams on site at Pezula.”
CEO of Knysna Tourism, Shaun van Eck, said that, as a top tourism destination, he believed Knysna was an excellent choice. “I am not surprised that Knysna was chosen by two top teams. Hosting these teams will be a huge boost for Knysna and the Garden Route and we are committed to offering the teams, their media and supporters an experience which they will fondly remember.”
