The official hotels, travel agents, emergency medical providers and wine suppliers for the 2003 Cricket World Cup have been named.

Dr Ali Bacher, executive director of the 2003 CWC, told guests at a function at the Crowne Plaza Convention Centre in Sandton that he was delighted to welcome aboard the first six official suppliers for the 54-match global showpiece.

They are Southern Sun Hotels, Netcare 911, Afrox Healthcare, Rennies Travel, Connex Travel and Bellingham Wines.

All will be permitted to make use of the official logo and mascot - both of which will be unveiled in October - to promote their association with the 2003 tournament.

In order to be selected as official suppliers, companies had to incorporate a strong black empowerment element in their tender.

"Black empowerment and the transferring of skills and knowledge are of paramount importance in all our endeavours to host a successful World Cup that will benefit all South Africans," said Dr Bacher. "Fundamental to their appointment as suppliers, the selected companies had their respective black empowerment initiatives approved by the 2003 Cricket World Cup Policy Committee under the chairmanship of Professor Jakes Gerwel."

Throughout the course of the tournament, running from February 6 to March 19, 2003:

Southern Sun Hotels will be used by all 14 competing teams, umpires, referees and VIPs;

Afrox Healthcare and Netcare 911 will cover all medical contingencies at all the match venues in South Africa;

Rennies Travel and Connex Travel will handle all South African travel arrangements for players, umpires, referees and VIPs during a hectic period of activity covering 42 days; and

Bellingham will supply the wines in the VIP areas at the grounds and at all official functions.

What the official suppliers had to say about their involvement in the prestige event:

Helder Pereira, Managing Director, Southern Sun Hotels: "Southern Sun are proud to be the official hotel group for the 2003 Cricket World Cup. As southern Africa's leading hotel group, we have lent our support to numerous major sporting events, including the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the 1996 African Cup of Nations and the 1999 All Africa Games.

"Our resources and experience in previous sporting events ensure that we can not only meet the special needs of sports teams and officials but also that supporters and media are shown true southern African hospitality. We are excited at the opportunity to help make the 2003 Cricket World Cup a resounding success."

Kathy Harris, Travel Services Director, Rennies Travel: "Rennies Travel is delighted to have been appointed official travel agents for this prestige event. We look forward to bowling over both the cricket teams and all supporters with our world-class travel service."

Kananelo Makhetha, Managing Director, Connex Travel: "This means a lot to us. Not simply are we looking forward to our partnership with Rennies, as the official travel agent, to ensure this is a successful project, but more importantly that my company learns and benefits from the experience of participating in such a great event as the Cricket World Cup. We hope this experience will maybe enable us to bid as a stand- alone travel company for future events of this magnitude."

Chris Rose, Chief Executive Officer, Netcare 911: "We see it as a unique opportunity - not only to create greater visibility for Netcare 911 but also to establish grassroots' ambulance services, the legacy of which will remain in the rural and high-density areas after 2003. Netcare 911 will supply the training, both managerial and paramedical, to specially selected black entrepreneurs for the provision of joint standby and response at all venues during the 2003 Cricket World Cup."

Rick Hogben, Managing Director, Afrox Healthcare Limited: "We are proud to be appointed as official healthcare provider to the 2003 World Cup Cricket. Our group has the expertise and commitment to contribute to the overall success of the event. Moreover, the event will give us a platform to demonstrate to the world the high professional standards of emergency medical care and hospital facilities in South Africa. VIPs, officials, players and spectators travelling from overseas to matches can rest assured that, should they need it, they will receive world-class medical treatment."

Tim Hutchinson, Chief Executive Officer of DGB, owners of the Bellingham brand: "We are delighted to have been appointed as the official win of the 20003 Cricket World Cup ahead of some major competitors. The selection process focused very clearly on social upliftment and the development of cricket in previously disadvantaged areas. Bellingham will allocate a significant share of the funds generated to the development of cricket in these areas and will fund a bursary scheme for up-and-coming black cricket journalists."

© 2003 CWC