Coast to ride benefits of Triathlon mega-weekend
For thousands of the world’s top triathletes, all runs, rides and swim legs will lead to the Sunshine Coast in March. A mega-weekend of triathlon is coming to the coast including a World Paratriathlon event to be staged here for the very first time.
For thousands of the world’s top triathletes, all runs, rides and swim legs will lead to the Sunshine Coast in March.
A mega-weekend of triathlon is coming to the coast from March 12-15, including a World Paratriathlon event that will be staged here for the first time.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said next month’s triathlon bonanza strengthened the Sunshine Coast as a major regional destination and sporting hub of Australia.
“Our region has a distinguished history and reputation for hosting world class triathlon events and we’re very pleased to welcome international Paratriathlon here for the first time,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“It will involve more than 50 athletes from Brazil, Italy, Japan and the USA and will count towards qualification for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio so it’s a significant event and a further vote of confidence in the Sunshine Coast’s ability to cater for international sport.”
There are five sport classes in paratriathlon ranging from wheelchair users to total or partial visual impairment.
The World Paratriathlon will be held at the Novotel Twin Waters in conjunction with the Australian Triathlon Youth Championships.
Tourism, Sport and Major Events Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said the event involved around 200 of Australia’s best teenage triathletes.
“The majority of these competitors travel to the Sunshine Coast with their parents and state team officials so all-up we’re expecting around 600 people to be staying here for at least those couple of days of competition,” he said.
“On the same weekend we have the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival that attracts around 6,000 participants, family members and supporters from outside the Sunshine Coast.
“This powerhouse multi-sport festival delivered around $14.5million to the region’s economy last year and with the world No.1 and No.2 triathletes both heading here from Spain to compete this year the international exposure for our region will be enormous.
“In 2016 the Sunshine Coast will also host the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships – the first time this prestigious event will be held in the Southern Hemisphere.
Cr O’Pray said local businesses could learn how to how capitalise on major events by taking part in council’s events+ MasterClasses during March.
“The events pot of gold is right here on the Sunshine Coast and judging by the attendances at February’s events+ MasterClasses, local businesses are keen as mustard to learn how they can benefit,” Cr O'Pray said.
An initiative of Sunshine Coast Council and the Sunshine Coast Events Board, events+ aims to provide local businesses with the tools to leverage major and regional events.
The Sunshine Coast plays host to around 30 major and regional events each year that generate $50million towards the region’s economy. In addition, event promoters and organisers spend approximately $2.5 million each year with local businesses which boosts the Sunshine Coast economy.
To find out more about joining the events+ campaign contact dtb Advertising on 5458 5600 or email [email protected]
For more information on Paratriathlons, visit http://www.triathlon.org/paratriathlon/categories.