International sporting event coming to Lower Hutt

Lower Hutt has secured the rights to host the 2012 Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games.

The week long event is set to attract 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.

About two and a half thousand competitors and their supporters are expected to take part in the games and Mayor Ray Wallace is looking forward to welcoming them to Lower Hutt.

“It is fantastic that our city as been chosen to host this international event.

“This is an opportunity for Lower Hutt to showcase our top-class sporting facilities and the games will bring in significant economic benefit to our city.

“The games will also be a chance for our community to show their support for our hardworking emergency services and be part of the festival-like atmosphere this event will bring to our city.”

The Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games is a biennial sporting event. This will be the third time the games have been hosted in New Zealand, though the first time since the inclusion of all the emergency services.

Alison Murray, Games Director of the Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games is also looking forward to bringing the games to Lower Hutt.

“It is in tragic circumstances that we have had to move the Games from Christchurch where they were due to be hosted; however we are very excited that Lower Hutt has been able to provide excellent facilities and enthusiasm for our event at such short notice,” she says.