RWC 2011 Countdown

Tomorrow (1 June) marks another important milestone in Wellington's build-up to Rugby World Cup 2011 - it'll be only 100 days to go until the start of the tournament.

The occasion will be marked with a media launch at Parliament, with the Prime Minister and other VIPs in attendance. RWC 2011 centres around the country will also be marking the day in a variety of ways.

In our own RWC 2011 region, Masterton businesses are gathering at the Wairarapa Bush Rugby Football Union clubrooms to find out which of the 20 RWC 2011 countries they've been allocated.

It's all part of an initiative called 'The Big Game!' Over the coming months, groups of businesses along Masterton's main streets will be dressing up their shop fronts - and staff - in a bid to win the title of 'best dressed'. They'll also be celebrating the food, national costumes, music and language of their adopted countries.

The chair of the Wellington Regional Coordination Group, Derek Fry, says the milestone is sharpening everyone's focus.

"We've been living and breathing this tournament for some time and have lots of great plans in place, but the 100-days milestone is a useful reminder for the wider community - what are you going to do to get involved in the biggest sporting event New Zealand has ever hosted?"

There are already lots of ways to get in behind RWC 2011.

• Dress up your house, street, workplace or family in RWC 2011 colours, flags or rugby paraphernalia - we'll be running a competition in the lead-up to the tournament, so watch this space.
• Businesses should check out the NZ 2011 Business Club website for details on opportunities to host international businesspeople while they're in New Zealand, and other initiatives:

Business - New Zealand 2011 website

• Schools will receive resources in July as part of the national RWC 2011 education programme and are encouraged to show their support for RWC 2011 teams.
• During the tournament, you'll be able to check out amazing events and activities, courtesy of the Wellington region Festival of Carnivale and the national REAL New Zealand Festival. There'll be something for everyone, whether you love rugby or not.
• And everyone can make a difference, simply by providing a warm and friendly welcome to our RWC 2011 visitors.

So get your thinking caps on and your countdown started - RWC 2011 is just around the corner!