Sport and Community Take Centre Stage
The Century City Property Owners’ Association (CCPOA) successfully hosted the 17th Annual Century City Sports Festival from Thursday 26 February to Sunday 01 March 2026, attracting thousands of athletes and spectators to the precinct for four days of competitive and community-driven sport.
This year’s festival was the biggest yet, featuring 27 different events across 21 sporting codes, further reinforcing Century City’s reputation as a premier lifestyle and sporting destination in the Western Cape.
Curro Century City kicked off the proceedings on Thursday at the Curro Aquatics Centre with a fast-paced Swimming Challenge for Curro High School, as well as an inter-Curro Chess tournament in the Curro Chess Room. Their busy Friday programme featured Netball 5s, Hockey 5s, Football 5s and Table Tennis, while the event also welcomed the addition of an E-Sport Challenge for the first time.
As the sun started bathing Central Park in early morning light, festival goers enjoyed Pilates in the Park, led by the team at Sweaty Palms Fitness Club, with plenty of spot prizes and giveaways adding to the lively atmosphere. Padel365 also made its festival debut, hosting an afternoon corporate challenge at Slipstream Way. Eight teams took to the courts in a spirited contest for the cup, with Nova Consumer Solutions ultimately claiming the inaugural title.
One of Friday’s highlights unfolded at Century City Urban Square, where Para Volleyball made a welcome return for the second consecutive year. A specially constructed court, sponsored by Quadcare, provided the stage for this exciting sport, which was watched by supporters, passersby, as well as hotel and restaurant guests who lingered and enjoyed the action long into the night. Quadcare’s commitment to supporting quadriplegics and their families added a deeper sense of purpose to the event, and throughout the matches, players showcased remarkable resilience, determination and skill, underscoring the powerful role sport plays in bringing people together. Congratulations to the tournament winners, Ikapastorm and the runners-up, Thumamina.
The excitement continued over on Central Park with a fiercely contested Touch Rugby tournament that drew teams from across the Western Cape and beyond, with sides travelling from as far afield as Jeffrey’s Bay, Struisbaai and Piketberg in pursuit of the coveted title. Spectators were treated to touch rugby of the highest order, as teams showcased speed, skill and tactical precision throughout the day’s competition. In the main division, Forward Reds emerged as Cup champions after a strong campaign, with Forward Legends finishing as runners-up. The Shield title went to Jokers, while Underdogs secured second place. In the schools’ divisions, Florida High School claimed the Boys title ahead of Jeffrey’s Bay Comprehensive, while Cravenby High School triumphed in the Girls competition, with Sinenjongo High School finishing as runners-up.
Century City Express with Discovery Vitality
As the sun rose on Saturday morning over Century City, runners gathered once again for one of Cape Town’s most anticipated annual races. A cool and breathless morning provided perfect running conditions and set the stage for the Century City Express with Discovery Vitality, the precinct’s flagship running event, which attracted more than 6 000 participants across the 10km and 5km races.
Adding a powerful dimension to the event was the participation of Warriors on Wheels, a Cape Town-based non-profit organisation that enables children with disabilities to take part in sporting events through adapted equipment and dedicated volunteer support. Their presence at the start line — alongside the Para Volleyball tournament hosted the evening before — reflected Century City’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusive sport. These initiatives further highlight the Century City’s wheelchair-friendly infrastructure, ensuring that its public spaces and events remain welcoming and accessible to all.
Shortly after the starting gun sounded, the course came alive as runners made their way through the scenic route — with the 5km route taking in sights of Intaka Island, the iconic canals and Ratanga Park — cheered on by enthusiastic supporters lining the course.
In the Open 10km category, William Kaptein of TymeBank Running Club delivered another standout performance, crossing the finish line in an impressive 29:01 to secure his third consecutive Century City Express title, following victories in 2024 and 2025. In the women’s race, Kyla Jacobs led the field with a commanding time of 33:16, claiming top honours in the category.
Saturday’s programme maintained the festival’s momentum with a lively schedule of sporting action. The Curro Plover Field buzzed with energy as Football-5-a-side matches unfolded, while competitive Netball-5s fixtures kept the Curro Netball Courts equally busy, with teams going head to head in fast paced encounters.
After hosting their larger championship races the previous week in observance of Ramadan, Dragon Boat teams returned to the water on Saturday afternoon for the Club 200m sprints in Halfmoon Bay. Long regarded as a spectator favourite, the event once again delivered an impressive display of coordination and endurance, as crews powered forward to the steady rhythm of the drums and perfectly timed strokes.
Sunday morning began with a light drizzle, which did not deter hordes of cyclists taking to the streets of Century City at this year’s Western Province Cycling Criterium, part of the larger Mzansi National Road Series. Over 100 cyclists and 25 teams participated in the nine leagues, with Paul Daniels winning the Club Challenge. Willem Visagie and Lucy Young won the Elite Men and Ladies respectively. As always, the Kiddies Tour was a special highlight, as kids aged 2 – 5 took to the streets.
Adding national significance to the festival programme was the South African Canoe Polo National Championships held at Ratanga Park. Three days of gruelling games saw the Western Province team, based in Knysna, secure gold in the First Division category, following a closely contested final against Gauteng.
Over at Fives Football soon Sunday afternoon, 20 teams entered the Corporate and Elite divisions and put on an impressive show of talent and teamwork. Ongoing spot prizes and background music added to the fun of the day as teams round-robined to find the ultimate winners. The impressive Dubliners took gold in the Elite category winning themselves R6 000, with Ireland Boys taking silver. Neil’s Wheels won the Corporate cup in a close final match against the Elite Squad.
“The 17th Century City Sports Festival once again showcased the incredible energy, talent and community spirit that define this event,” says Marinus Boshoff, CEO of the Century City Property Owners’ Association (CCPOA).
“One of the most meaningful highlights this year was the inclusion of Paravolley athletes and the Warriors on Wheels at the start line of the Express Race, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring the festival is a celebration of sport that is accessible and inclusive to all. Now in its 17th year, the festival continues to bring together athletes, families and supporters from across the region to celebrate sport in all its forms — from high-level competition to the pure enjoyment of participation.”
“We extend our sincere thanks to our valued sponsors, whose continued support makes it possible for us to host this much-loved annual festival. We are also deeply grateful to all the teams, organisers, volunteers and our dedicated internal team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the event’s success. Their collective effort is what truly brings the Century City Sports Festival to life.”
