Mangaung - A youth seminar in the Free State hopes to unveil opportunities for young people in the province during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Youth Commission’s Communications Officer, Keamokgetse Setlai said the seminar aims to formulate a framework for youth participation in the world cup activities.

“We want to unveil the potential opportunities for young people spinning from the 2010 FIFA World Cup by the host city of Mangaung and Free State,” she said.

The 2010 Youth seminar, on Wednesday, is an initiative of the Free State Youth Commission, Mangaung 2010 world cup office and the Youth Entrepreneurship Campaign (YEC) 2010.

The benefits of the world cup in terms of increasing economic participation by young people in the province will also be discussed.

Respective participants will also be selected in disciplines including construction, tourism, hospitality and catering services, transport, security, health and manufacturing.

The seminar will also include a break away session for discussions in order to explore the challenges faced by Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME’s), towards and during the world cup.

Ms Setlai said they will also explore ways on how more experienced businesses can support smaller industries in their growth and development.

The city of Mangaung is one of the host city’s of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

During the prestigious world tournament, the Free State Stadium will have a seating capacity of 48 000.

It is often said that the open spaces in Bloemfontein reflect the openness of its people, who are described as friendly, warm and dignified.

The involvement of the YEC at the seminar is viewed as crucial.

Some of their key responsibilities include mentoring, mobilising and encouraging youth participation in creating entrepreneurial opportunities ahead of the world cup and beyond.

The YEC is a joint initiative with the Umsobomvu Youth Fund, the South African Chamber of Commerce and the youth structure of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce.

The one day seminar forms part of the National Joint Campaign for increased total entrepreneurial activities among young South Africans. - BuaNews