Cape Town was buzzing with activity on Friday evening. The 2010 World Cup draw was held at the CTICC (Cape Town International Convention Centre) and all over the city parties and events had been organized to celebrate this momentous occasion! A red carpet was laid out at the CTICC to welcome dignitaries and media personnel from all over the world. By 5pm guests were already streaming towards the venue to take their seats for the draw which started at 7pm. Charlize Theron and David Beckham were among the celebrities invited to the main event!

Celebritydom is new to most of us. On the highway heading into the city we were waved down by policeman on flying squad bikes and ordered to pull over to the side of the road. Next thing, a fleet of black SUVs surrounded by policemen sped past and we were left to wonder who the VIP guest causing all the commotion was.

The main party was held on Long Street. Roads were closed off to accommodate the thousands of Capetonians who gathered to watch the draw on a big screen and make the most of the quality entertainment that was on offer.

Cape Town is getting ready for the ‘greatest show on earth’. There are signs all over the city. Even the lights on Adderley Street have a soccer theme this year!

On Friday afternoon at the Waterfront Studios, the official 2010 football was unveiled.
Adidas are behind the new ball which features brand new technology and design elements inspired by South African culture. 11 Different colours are woven together to reflect the 11 official languages and cultural groups represented in South Africa. The name of the ball is Jabulani, which means to celebrate!

In celebration of the ball release, Adidas have created and displayed a whole lot of giant footballs which can be spotted at the entrance to the Waterfront. Adidas have been designing footballs since 1970 and this display represents their football designs throughout the ages. For a summary of football designs from 1970 to the current design visit:http://therightwinger.co.za

Later on in the evening, Giant footballs were unveiled at the Waterfront’s Amphitheatre and at Totalsports, which was the first store to sell the new balls in the whole of South Africa. The store was revamped to accommodate 2010 new balls which went on sale at about 8pm on Friday evening. We thought the design and layout of the store was excellent. Take a look at these images. Lucas Radebe even made an appearance and signed a few balls.

We love the way Capetonians get behind an event like this and rise to the occasion in showing the world just what a spectacular, creative city we are!

In fact people all over Cape Town have been inspired by 2010 to create new products. Here are just a few examples!

Design by TinTown

Design by Streetwires

Design by Tin City

Design by Cheryl Milligan and Brenda Durham

We’re looking forward to seeing what else comes out of Cape Town in the next few months.

Browse Timeline

• « Notions of being/Moments of being by Jill Trappler
• » Feeling Sheepish, a new children’s picture book by Sandy Mitchell

Add a Comment