While the province is not a host province for the upcoming World Cup in June, the region has done a great deal to showcase its ability to host big sporting events.

The 2010 Cell C Easter Soccer Tournament is one of the single major sporting events to be held in the provinces in recent years.

"Hosting the Cell C Easter Soccer Tournament is very important to us. This signifies the enthusiasm of the people of this province", says David Mdutyana, 2010 World Cup Provincial Coordinator.

"The matches of this tournament are taking place in five different regions, and this shows our commitment to developing football in the province," added Mdutyana.

So far, the turn out at the tournament has been encouraging, as many fans have come out in large numbers to see their teams battle it out for the top prize of R60 000.

Such is the significance of this event, even the Mayor of the Kimberley Patrick Everyday (pic above) hosted a dinner for VIPs, while all the teams paraded before a large crowd of soccer lovers.

"The Provincial government is pleased with the partnership that business has forged in terms of developing sports in general," says Mdutyana.