Group items tagged

Map of Major League Baseball Fan bases and proposed realignment.

The former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan wants to develop its ski-ing industry as a way to diversify its oil-based economy but some fear this could threaten the country's areas of natural beauty.

"SOUTH AFRICA The inspection team says South Africans fans are passionate Government: Totally committed to hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup Public: Huge enthusiasm Football Facilities Stadia: Thirteen stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Three almost ready Five to be renovated Five to be built Definitive number of stadiums to be decided Training facilities: Excellent facilities; some pitches must be improved Standard of football: Since 1992, successful come-back to the international football forum General Country Infrastructure Transportation: Very good for organising the 2010 FIFA World Cup Telecommunications: Excellent facilities to handle the 2010 FIFA World Cup Hotels: Excellent hotel infrastructure Safety and security: Lack of security in the country, but authorities have the know-how and resources to manage this aspect during the 2010 FIFA World Cup Medical centres: Excellent facilities including those in the stadiums Finance Budget for the 2010 FIFA World Cup: Must be revised Ticketing: Whole policy needs to be fully revised Executive Summary: If the World Cup is granted to South Africa, it will generate significant unity among the different ethnic groups that were separated socially, culturally and in sport for years. In addition, South Africa has a number of world class cultural and tourist attractions. The project to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup presented to the Inspection Group, based on an excellent overall infrastructure, was clear, detailed and stable, proving its reliability. Furthermore, there is a strong backing for the bid from the Government. The population is very enthusiastic about football, spontaneously showing their joy at the prospect of hosting the World Cup. Despite questions about security in the country, the legacy compared to the investment needed will be a great contribution to the country. The Inspection Group's opinion is that South Africa has the potential to organise an excellent World Cup."