AN exciting year of sporting events is underway following the ISAF World Sailing Championships and a blockbuster Hopman Cup, but it is just the start of what will hopefully become a regular, choc-full events calendar for WA.
The 84 state-wide events sponsored by Eventscorp in 2012 have been made possible by a long-overdue boost of funds.
There’s an extra $60 million over the next four years, including $36 million this financial year to draw sporting and cultural events with international appeal, as well as smaller, niche WA offerings for a broad range of interests.
Scarborough Beach soon hosts the return of the Ironman Series, the first time in 15 years it has been held in Perth, coming a day after a new surf lifesaving event called the Indian Ocean Classic.
Golf’s recently announced Perth International, will become Australia’s richest golf tournament when an international field of players takes to Lake Karrinyup Country Club in October, while next month’s Track Cycling Grand Prix is expected to field about 170 of the world’s elite riders.
Attracting quality sporting and cultural events to WA is critical on two fronts – the economic benefits that flow to other sectors from increased tourism in particular, as well as giving WA the profile it deserves interstate and internationally.
And it is one way we can generate a sense of pride and identity, and to help overcome any negative feelings associated with our geographic isolation.
Tourism Minister Kim Hames deserves kudos for his achievements so far.
However, the Government faces a battle to maintain the stature of the Hopman Cup among players, sponsors and broadcasters, as the tournament’s management rights review heats up.
It is one of WA’s favourite sports events, and the Government needs to treat it as such in negotiations with tennis authorities if it hopes to attract top-10 players in the future.