Newcastle to host 2013 Asia Pacific Regional Games

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell has announced that the inaugural 2013 Asia Pacific Regional Games will be held in Newcastle - following the success of a NSW Government backed bid with Special Olympics Australia.
Premier O'Farrell stated "Australians are known the world over for their love of sport and I'm delighted Newcastle will welcome athletes to the inaugural Special Olympics Asia Pacific Regional Games in 2013.
"These Games will be the largest ever held for people with an intellectual disability in the Asia-Pacific region and the NSW Government is extremely pleased the City of Newcastle will be the host city.
"The Hunter is a great region with terrific sporting facilities and is well equipped to host this major event.
"This is a great event for Newcastle and NSW and an acknowledgement of the determination and spirit that embodies the Special Olympics movement."
The Special Olympics Asia Pacific Regional Games will see athletes from 25 countries competing in eight sports over nine days, with the economic impact to Newcastle and the Hunter region estimated at $10 million.
NSW Minister for Disability Services Andrew Constance congratulated Special Olympics Chief Executive Gill Stapleton on her team's efforts and success, stating "sport is a great social outlet and it plays a key role in breaking down the barriers that exist for people with a disability, and I applaud Gillian and her team for their continued efforts and today's announcement is a just reward.
"The staging of the 2013 Asia Pacific Regional Games also recognises the NSW Government's commitment to a socially inclusive NSW, where people with a disability are afforded every opportunity to reach their full potential."
The Flame of Hope will play a significant role in announcing the coming of the games as it is symbol of the Special Olympics, with the Law Enforcement Torch Run program its guardian.
Minister for the Hunter Michael Gallacher, who is also a patron of Special Olympics Australia Junior National Games, said this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the very best of the Hunter, in particular the city of Newcastle, adding "this result reinforces the (Government's) commitment to drive tourism across the Hunter and regional NSW."
Governor-General and Patron of Special Olympics Australia, Quentin Bryce AC CVO, joined Premier O'Farrell to announce the inaugural Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games' hosting in Newcastle.
The Governor-General said the Special Olympics movement was close to her heart and she was proud to be Patron of the charity that provides weekly sport and regular competition for children and adults with an intellectual disability in communities across Australia.
The Governor-General stated "the choice of Newcastle in NSW as the venue for the Games is perfect, given its proximity to most centres on the Australia eastern seaboard.
"Newcastle also offers overseas visitors excellent sporting infrastructure and a wonderful environment, with its spectacular beaches and regional attractions. I am sure that athletes and their families will enjoy the hospitality of the city."
The event will see Newcastle welcome more than 1,700 Special Olympics athletes, 600 coaches and officials, over 4,000 volunteers, and around 200,000 spectators from 25 nations in the Asia-Pacific region.

http://www.specialolympics.com.au/