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Press Release
Tasmania Wins Bid for 2009 Wildwater World Cup
2 May 2008
Tasmania has secured a major international sporting coup, winning the right to host the 2009 Canoe Wildwater World Cup, the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Michelle O’Byrne, announced today.
Speaking at the Cataract Gorge today, which is one of several venues around the State that will host the event, Ms O’Byrne, said the World Cup was a massive win for the State.
“No other Australian state or territory has hosted the Wildwater World Cup and it is only the second time the event has been held in the Southern Hemisphere,” Ms O’Byrne said.
Tasmania, which has a strong record in wildwater canoeing, was selected as the 2009 host by the International Canoe Federation over strong rivals Spain and the Czech Republic.
“The World Cup will take place from 20 October to 8 November 2009 and is expected to bring over 200 international competitors and support crew from 26 nations to the State.
“It is also anticipated that international competitors will also visit Tasmania during summer 2008-09 to use the State as an off-season training venue.”
Ms O’Byrne said in addition to the direct economic impact hundreds of competitors and their support staff and families would bring, the event would also generate significant destination promotional possibilities for Tasmania.
“The Wildwater World Cup will boost Tasmania’s international profile as a world-class adventure sport destination as well as showcase the State as an adventure tourism destination.”
The World Cup will be held on the Mersey River, the Brady’s Lake canoe course, and the Cataract Gorge, with more locations to be determined.
Ms O’Byrne acknowledged the support of Hydro Tasmania, Canoe Tasmania, and the State Government, through Events Tasmania and the Tasmanian Institute of Sport, in preparing the State for its World Cup hosting duties.