Bigger SportShow lined up for 2017
Organisers also plan to increase audience participation
THE ORGANISERS of the inaugural Cape Argus SportShow have promised an even bigger and better spectacle next year as the curtain came down on the three-day extreme sport exhibition yesterday.
The first-of-its-kind multi-sport festival hosted acts including Hungarian acrobatic basketball team Lords of Gravity, I AM WATER’s Hanli Prinsloo and her free diving exhibition, the Red Bull X-Fighters and Motorcross rider Brian Capper.
Dubai-based Yves Rossy, the Jetman, was hoping he would be able to fly with his jet-powered wing in South African skies at the next Cape Argus SportShow.
SportShow chief executive Stephan Jooste was pleased with the turn-out at the event for the three days and expects even bigger crowds for the 2017 edition.
“Visitors have seen what the SportShow has to offer now, they’ve witnessed the thrills and excitement and we hope more visitors will come next year.
“I’m glad people have chosen to come here on a public holiday,” he said.
Jooste aims to increase audience participation next year by adding more competitions and by getting visitors involved and attracting people with big prizes.
Day three Xtreme Speakerbox keynote speakers included adventurers Riaan Manser and Vasti Geldenhuys, who told the audience of their Atlantic Ocean journey, and local funnyman and Good Hope FM Sport presenter Dalin Oliver.
Conservation collective I AM WATER’s Peter Marshall blew audiences away with his five-minute breathhold demo at the free diving exhibition yesterday, beating Beth Neale’s 3:25 record set on Sunday.
Shows such as the Bounce Inc Parkour, wall dancing and dance show and the FMX freestyle, BMX and skateboard combo show were highlights over the three days.
Visitors flocked from across the festival grounds to grab a spot close to the action, many carrying food from the plethora of foodtrucks.
Brian Capper performed daring stunts on his trail bike, jumping over brave volunteers who were made to lie down on the grass.
One of the volunteers, Stephan Watson, maintained his composure as Capper soared over him.
Bag jumping remained popular, with visitors braving the height as they flung themselves from the heights of a threestorey building onto an air- cushion. Children, many with rainbow-coloured slushies, were kept occupied with the activities, which included the Fives Futbol pitch and a number of jumping castles and carnival rides.
The cycling pump track, “hamster-ball” football and skim-board arenas were also popular attractions.