Eastern University Games to generate $2 million for the Illawarra economy

The University of Wollongong’s hosting of the Eastern University Games in July 2016 is predicted to deliver over $2 million of economic benefit to the Illawarra region.

To be held in July next year, this will be the second time that The University of Wollongong has hosted the event, which is expected to attract more than 3,000 participants and visitors.

Welcoming the event, NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres explained “the (Games)] will utilise the fantastic sporting facilities at the University of Wollongong as well as throughout the city, and provide a welcome boost to local businesses.”

Destination Wollongong General Manager Mark Sleigh said having hosted the event previously, it was proven to be valuable money-wise, because the demographic was not only there to enjoy the sporting component but the social side as well.

Sleigh stated “it’s a particularly strong event that brings in mass participation over multiple nights.

“A really important thing to note is (that) it’s not just the hotels who receive benefit, the restaurants, the bars, the clubs were extremely successful last time – and certainly during the quieter months of the year they were having some of their best nights of the year.”

The largest of three regional university Games events held on the same week in July, the Eastern University Games are open to university and TAFE students from New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory competing in at least 16 different sports including cricket, ultimate (frisbee), AFL, football, lawn bowls and tennis.

The 2015 Eastern University Games have just been held in Wagga Wagga in partnership with Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga City Council and Destination NSW.

For more information go to www.unisport.com.au/EUG/Pages/Home.aspx

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