Christchurch bids for Quarterfinals
< Media Release 17 July
2008
______________________________________________________________ Christchurch
bids for Quarterfinals Christchurch is putting its best
foot forward as it lodges its bid to host quarterfinal games
for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. "We are confident that the
team in Christchurch has done everything it can to secure
confirmation of two quarterfinals," says Mayor Bob
Parker. A steering group made up of Christchurch City
Council, Canterbury Rugby Football Union, Police, Vbase,
Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism; and Canterbury
Development Corporation has put together a powerful case for
two matches in the city. That bid has now gone to Rugby New
Zealand 2011 for consideration and a recommendation going
forward to Rugby World Cup Ltd. RWC will make its decision
in early September. "We've had a highly focused and
professional team of very committed people working on the
Christchurch bid, as well as support from people and groups
across the South Island," says Bob Parker. "We have a
compelling case and believe that view will be shared by
those making the decisions. "The hopes and dreams of many
thousands of South Island rugby enthusiasts were bundled up
with all the technical and logistical information that made
up our bid and now all we can do is wait for the outcome.
Christchurch deserves two quarterfinals and we believe that
the bid document clearly demonstrates that," he says. "By
2011 Christchurch will have some of the very best stadium
facilities in the country and it will be great to show rugby
fans from all over the world how Christchurch and Canterbury
can host a world class rugby event in an atmosphere of warm
hospitality and friendly sporting rivalry. "We warmly
welcome the opportunity to help Rugby New Zealand 2011
Limited deliver its promise of a world-class event for
players, officials, spectators and fans. Beamed to a
world-wide cumulative audience of over 4 billion, this is
our chance to showcase Christchurch and Canterbury to the
world as New Zealand delivers the best-ever Rugby World Cup
in 2011," says Mr Parker. ends