Archbishop Desmond Tutu is supporting Cape Town’s...

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is supporting Cape Town’s bid for the 2004 Games, saying a first Olympics in Africa would give the continent much-needed self-respect.

Tutu, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his struggle against apartheid in South Africa, said the economic impact of holding the Olympics in Cape Town would benefit not only his own country but also all of Africa.

“Nothing but bad news comes out of Africa, save for the recent political transformation we have had in South Africa,” the recently-retired Archbishop of Cape Town said.

“But Africa is a sleeping giant and we can show a whole different side if we get the Olympics.”

Cape Town is one of 11 cities bidding to host the Games in 2004.