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'Bring home the America's Cup'
30/11/2006 15:05 - (SA)
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| Archbishop Desmond Tutu shows his delight at being part of Team Shosholoza - South Africa's first ever challenger for the 155 year old America's Cup. (Peter Goldman) |
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Cape Town - "Bring the America's Cup to Africa!" says Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
With sparkling eyes and a grin stretching from ear to ear, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and new Patron of Team Shosholoza, whooped with delight and chuckled as he delivered this clear and simple instruction to the crew of Team Shosholoza - South Africa's hope for the 32nd America's Cup in Valencia, Spain in 2007.
Sporting a Team Shosholoza cap, Archbishop Tutu, said he was "just thrilled" to be part of the team when they met for the first time in Cape Town.
"Nobody gave them a snowballs chance in hell and they have surprised everyone! This team stands for more than just winning. They are a side that reflects us as a rainbow nation. They also represent a lot more than just racing. They are helping the less advantaged in our society, the black communities and previously disadvantaged by teaching life skills through sailing and training them up to be world class sailors.
"I have had one or two honours in my life but, to be associated with you is one of my biggest honours. It is great what you are doing for our country and it is also important that you are taking such a positive message to the world. I know I will be even more proud of you when you start racing again next year. I am already proud of you. You are a wonderful example of what our country can do."
The Archbishop said he would "love" to be in Valencia next year to support his team next year and would keep in close touch with the team to see how a visit could be arranged.
When asked if he would consider being 18th man on yacht Shosholoza during the Louis Vuitton Cup - the challenger elimination series which decides which single team will face current Cup Defenders, the Swiss Team Alinghi, for sailing's ultimate prize, the America's Cup, Archbishop Tutu said: "Sure, I will sit there and say: Remember guys. I am not as young as I look!"
The 18th man spot is a non-participant role on the yacht reserved for VIP's and the media.
Saluting Team Shosholoza managing director Captain Salvatore Sarno with a seamanship "Aye, Aye Sir!", Archbishop Tutu told the team that he was amazed at what they had achieved in such a short time.
He presented the Archbishop with a specially constructed model of yacht Shosholoza RSA 83, the teams campaign yacht that will take Team Shosholoza into battle when racing starts again in April next year. The model was specially mounted on a "honeycomb" section of the yacht's hull and brought specially from Valencia.
The Archbishop was also presented with his own Team Shosholoza crew kit, cap and a pair of bright purple "Croc" shoes.
Like a child trying on his new Christmas outfit the Archbishop put on his Team Shosholoza cap and held his new Team Shosholoza jacket up against his chest. When he spotted the "Crocs" he shrieked with a delighted "Whooooop! Purple is the colour for a Bishop" and started one of his characteristic impromptu dances while miraculously balancing the shoes on his head.
- News24
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