Kiwi Prime Minister Announces Naming Rights for 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games

New Zealand Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key has confirmed Tourism New Zealand as the naming rights sponsor of the Southern Hemisphereâs largest winter sports event â the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games which takes place from 21st to 30th August 2009.
The announcement follows a $1 million investment from the Major Events Development Fund into Winter Games NZ to enhance New Zealandâs growing
reputation as a world-class events destination.
Prime Minister Key explained that "we are serious about attracting and developing world class events. This is a great example of an exciting, home-grown event with huge potential.
"The tourism spin-offs in terms of visitor numbers and spending will be significant. This event will showcase some of our most spectacular scenery and we believe the benefits will extend well beyond the Otago region.�?
Winter Games NZ Chief Executive, Arthur Klap, said he was delighted with the partnership and having this level of support from the New Zealand Government reiterated the importance of the Games for New Zealand in terms of economic and social benefits.
âThe 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games will put New Zealand on 350 million TV screens around the world, highlighting the spectacular beauty of the
country and helping generate tourism.
âIt will attract 800 of the worldâs elite winter sports athletes, many of whom will next be seen on the podium at the Winter Olympics and it will pump $50 million into New Zealandâs economy. And thatâs just the first year! This biennial event will grow into a hugely valuable property for New Zealand engaging our own athletes, spectators, volunteers and businesses and growing into an event New Zealand can be proud of. We are delighted to be working closely with Tourism New Zealand to achieve this.�?
Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive, George Hickton, said the Games provided an ideal platform with which to celebrate a landmark anniversary of its 100% Pure New Zealand brand.
Hickton explained "Tourism New Zealand's 100% Pure New Zealand brand celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and supporting this event on its first visit to New Zealand is a great way to sum up everything the brand is about - our amazing natural environment, our people, our love of the outdoors. And it's a great way to show off some of the amazing activities that can be enjoyed by visitors, and professionals, during the winter months."
100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games is the only event of its kind outside the Winter Olympics and will take place at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables,
Cardrona Alpine Resort, Snow Farm, Naseby and Dunedin from 21st to 30th August 2009. It will feature disciplines of alpine skiing, free skiing, x-country
skiing, snowboarding, curling, ice skating and adaptive snow sports as well as the demonstration sports of winter triathlon and natural luge.

http://www.wintergamesnz.com