Water sport spectacle for Port Alfred
Seventh Royal St Andrews Amanzi Challenge in store
The Royal St Andrews Amanzi Challenge is where sport, tourism, socio-economic growth, and communities unite.
The Sunshine Coast is delighted to announce that the seventh annual Royal St Andrews Hotel Amanzi Challenge is upon us.
This thrilling water sports tournament takes place in stunning Port Alfred, the heart of the Sunshine Coast.
The event is about so much more than just sport: it also forges community bonds and drives local economic and social development through growing national tourism and hospitality.
All this places Port Alfred on the world tourism stage.
Celebrating water and beach sports Experience the adrenaline rush as athletes from near and far gather to compete in a range of aquatic disciplines during the Royal St Andrews Hotel Amanzi Challenge. It’ sa celebration of the beauty and thrill of these sports that captivates hearts, showcases current leading national athletes and inspires future champions.
When sport meets world-class hospitality
Philanthropist and visionary, Martin Bekker, fell in love with Port Alfred when visiting on holiday and saw an opportunity to make a difference to the beautiful town by tapping into its tourism potential.
The result was the Royal St Andrews Hotel – a world-class award-winning hospitality facility, refurbished and redeveloped, helping to build the town as sought-after South African destination. Two years later, in 2017, Bekker met the founder of BS Sports, Zweli Nkwinti, who presented the idea of what was then known as the Amanzi Festival to him and his wife, Linda.
The festival would be part of the vision of growing and promoting the Eastern Cape and Port Alfred.
BS Sports needed sponsorship to help make this dream come to life.
The idea of the Amanzi Festival resonated with the Bekkers, who decided to come on board.
They committed to sponsor the event to the tune of R1m every year for five years under the hotel’s name, becoming the main sponsor of the event, which was renamed the Royal St Andrews Hotel Amazi Challenge.
Martin sadly passed away in 2022, but the hotel continues to sponsor the event through Linda and Martin’s son, Justin Bekker.
Inclusivity and empowerment
The Royal St Andrews Hotel Amanzi
Challenge is committed to introducing its activities to disadvantaged communities, promoting physical wellbeing and uncovering hidden talents. It’s a transformative journey towards a more inclusive and healthier society as well as creating a growing tourism sector in Port Alfred to uplift the town’s population.
The Sunshine Coast experience
Visit the Sunshine Coast and immerse yourself in the picturesque coastal route, where every bend in the road reveals breathtaking vistas.
Let the Royal St Andrews Hotel Amanzi Challenge be your guide to the untamed beauty of the area with its
vibrant culture.
Experience gracious hospitality, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
The Royal St Andrews Hotel Amanzi Challenge is where friendships are forged, and the spirit of adventure comes alive. Join us in Port Alfred for an event like no other.
#AmanziChallenge #PortAlfred #SunshineCoast #GraciousHospitality #ECYours2Explore
Talk of the Town is an event partner in the Royal St Andrews Hotel Amanzi Challenge.
Challenge Programme:
Wednesday November 8
8am – Surfing SA WSL – East Beach
Thursday November 9
8am – Surfing SA WSL – East Beach 6pm – Annual event ceremony – Royal St Andrews Hotel
Friday November 10
7am – Surfing SA/WSL presentation – East Beach
Saturday November 11
8am – SAIRA (rubber ducks) – East Beach 8am – SA Bodyboarding – West Beach
Sunday November 12
9am – SAIRA (rubber ducks) – Kowie River
12pm – Awards and closing ceremony – Royal St Andrews Hotel