Mossel Bay hosts world pentathlon stars

Mossel Bay became the centre of the modern pentathlon world on Sunday 7 December as the UIPM (Union Internasionale de Pentathlon Moderne) World Championships officially opened at the Diaz Museum.

- Hugo Redelinghuys

Delegates, officials and athletes from 40 countries gathered for the ceremony, including Rob Stull, the UIPM's president, and Frans van Niekerk, president of the South African Modern Pentathlon Association (Sampa).

In his welcome address, Mossel Bay's mayor, Dirk Kotzé, highlighted the significance of the event. "With 1 600 entries across three world championships and an African Continental Championship, this gathering is not only historic - it is a celebration of sport, unity and human achievement," he said. "We are proud to host you in a place where the ocean meets the mountains, and where the warmth of our people matches the beauty of our surroundings."