Queensland Wins 2009 ITU Triathlon World Championships
Premier and Minister for Sport, Peter Beattie, welcomed the decision by the International Triathlon Union to award the 2009 ITU Triathlon World Championships to the Gold Coast.
Mr Beattie said the decision had been announced tonight at the International Triathlon Union World Congress in Gamagori, Japan.
"Its great news for Queensland and great news for the popular sport of triathlon," Mr Beattie said.
"The world championships will provide major tourism and economic benefits for Queensland and further enhance our international reputation as a host of world class events.
"Up to 3,000 athletes from around the world and some 50,000 spectators are expected to attend the world championships. This will bring business and jobs to Queensland."
The decision is subject to the execution of contracts, which will be negotiated by Queensland Events Corporation, Gold City Council and USM Events, the Queensland-based event organiser.
Mr Beattie said securing the world championship forms part of a recently announced strategy to position South East Queensland as the international hub of triathlon.
"We already boast two of the world's best triathlons at Noosa and Mooloolaba," he said.
"Just last month we also announced new three year funding for the Gold Coast Triathlon Luke Harrop Memorial."
Mr Beattie said the International Triathlon Union Championships in 2009 would see international stars go head to head with our own home grown champions.
He said it would provide a major boost to the Gold Coast and cement its reputation as one of the sporting and entertainment capitals of the nation.
Media inquiries: (07) 3224 4500
Mr Beattie said the decision had been announced tonight at the International Triathlon Union World Congress in Gamagori, Japan.
"Its great news for Queensland and great news for the popular sport of triathlon," Mr Beattie said.
"The world championships will provide major tourism and economic benefits for Queensland and further enhance our international reputation as a host of world class events.
"Up to 3,000 athletes from around the world and some 50,000 spectators are expected to attend the world championships. This will bring business and jobs to Queensland."
The decision is subject to the execution of contracts, which will be negotiated by Queensland Events Corporation, Gold City Council and USM Events, the Queensland-based event organiser.
Mr Beattie said securing the world championship forms part of a recently announced strategy to position South East Queensland as the international hub of triathlon.
"We already boast two of the world's best triathlons at Noosa and Mooloolaba," he said.
"Just last month we also announced new three year funding for the Gold Coast Triathlon Luke Harrop Memorial."
Mr Beattie said the International Triathlon Union Championships in 2009 would see international stars go head to head with our own home grown champions.
He said it would provide a major boost to the Gold Coast and cement its reputation as one of the sporting and entertainment capitals of the nation.
Media inquiries: (07) 3224 4500