Christchurch To Receive $33 Million Boost From Golden Oldies Sports Event

30 JUNE 2016 - Christchurch is set to receive a significant boost from the largest sports event the city has ever hosted.

In April 2018, the Christchurch Casino Gold Oldies Sports Celebration is expected to attract 9,000 participants, plus supporters and officials, injecting a projected $33 million of direct economic benefit into the Canterbury region.

The Golden Oldies sporting movement is a global success story, involving 50,000 people around the world, that allows keen sportspeople the opportunity to keep active and competitive, regardless of age. The 2018 event in Christchurch will mark the the first time all the sports have come together for one big Golden Oldies global festival. Previously each sport had its own world event.

Christchurch will host 10 sports – rugby, soccer, softball, hockey, netball, basketball, cricket, squash, golf and lawn bowls, each represented by a well-known corresponding New Zealand sporting icon. Ambassadors for the event include Sir Graham Henry, Sir Bob Charles, Rod Latham and Todd Blackadder.

The athletes, who are all aged over 35 with a median age group of 50-60 years old, will be joined by over 4,000 supporters and officials. Up to 70% are anticipated to travel from overseas for the event, and 20% from outside the Canterbury region, bringing up to 75,000 bed nights to the accommodation sector.

Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism Industry Partnership manager Caroline Blanchfield said it was an amazing opportunity for the province.

“International sporting events on this scale nourish our tourism, hospitality and hotels to the tune of millions of dollars. The international exposure will be priceless for spreading our message that Christchurch is back as one of the leading major events destination in New Zealand.”

Peter McDermott, Golden Oldies Sports Celebration event director, said he was excited to deliver a world first for Golden Oldies and a boost to Christchurch.

“With 90% of participants coming from outside the region, we’re looking forward to showcasing the dynamic city Christchurch has become. This is a major event, not just for Christchurch, but for New Zealand as a whole as we lead the way in a world first for Golden Oldies sport.”

The Christchurch Casino Golden Oldies Sports Celebration takes place from 31 March – 29 April 2018. For further information, visitwww.christchurchgoldenoldies.com.

ENDS

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