Christchurch To Host International Sporting Event

Christchurch has headed off bids from other major New Zealand cities and won the rights to host the 2012 Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games - a biennial sporting event involving almost two and a half thousand participants and just as many supporters.

“When looking for the host city we wanted somewhere vibrant, with excellent sporting facilities, good infrastructure and most importantly visible support from the City Council. We have been shown this support at every step and it was with great excitement that we choose Christchurch” said Alison Murray, National Manager of the New Zealand Police Council of Sport.

The Police Council of Sport is an incorporated society and not part of the Police organisational structure however enjoys the support of the New Zealand Police. Inspector John Johnston, Chairman of the Council of Sport says that “without the support from Commissioner Broad and his team it is unlikely that New Zealand would have bid for the Games”.

The eight day games will be held in the city in early 2012 and will involve participants from the Police, Fire, Ambulance and other services from across Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands in more than 40 different sports and a wide range of social activities.

QEII Park Recreation and Sport Centre will be the hub for the games with Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre, Cowles Stadium and Council sports grounds also being key locations.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Christchurch as a first class sporting tournament venue,” said Mayor Bob Parker. “The games will also bring the city around $5 million in expected economic benefits.”

This will be only be the third times the games have been hosted in New Zealand. In 1988 Wanganui hosted what was then called the Australia and New Zealand Police Games and then again in 1996. This year’s games were held in Coffs Harbour and the host city in 2010 will be Hobart.

“This is an important and high profile event, and I’m delighted that the organisers have chosen Christchurch for 2012. Participants will have an opportunity to see Christchurch in action as host city for a major sporting event just a few months before these games, when we show ourselves as a world class event host during the Rugby World Cup 2011 Tournament,” said Mr Parker.

“We very much look forward to welcoming the participants of these games and their supporters.”