Christchurch's Biggest Sporting Event

Supergames 2001 will be Christchurch's biggest sporting event and attract more than 3000 entrants from around the world.

The world's first Supergames will cater for 70 sports at more than 50 venues. Supergames 2001 will have more than twice as many competitors as took part in the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch. Supergames 2001 will be held from 30 March until April 8 and will bring together uniformed and civilian staff from the ranks of Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Fire, Customs and Prison Officers. Most of the competitors will come from New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Rim countries. More than 100 countries are likely to be represented in Christchurch. The Christchurch City Council is providing support to the games and members of its Leisure Unit and several Councillors are involved in the day-to-day management. Air New Zealand is another sponsor. Planning started in 1997 and registrations will close in December 2000. Service games have been held world-wide before but have not included all the services that will compete in the Supergames 2001. Similar world-wide events have attracted more than 10,000 competitors with a further 10,000 supporters. The New Zealand-Australia Police Games in Wanganui attracted 2500 entrants from just the one Service (Police). Eligibility for Supergames 2001 is current serving staff, retired staff, and, for the first time, volunteers. Already there have been more 2500 expressions of interest. The 70 sports will include such events as angling (fresh and salt water), deer hunting (a week in the bush), flying, chess, petanque, scuba diving, touch football and tug of war. These are in addition to the more traditional sports such as basketball, badminton, canoeing, cricket, athletics, cycling, darts, equestrian, golf, hockey, judo, lawn bowls, netball, shooting, weightlifting, rugby, snooker, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball. Ten Australian administrators will be in Christchurch today (Friday 7 July) on a familiarisation visit.

Further information: Melissa Slater, City Council Sports Events Co-ordinator: 371 1776 or 025 232 7541.

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