Some of Australia's best coaches, swimmers and water polo players, past and present, will visit regional Western Australia over three years as part of a major Regional Community Engagement Program linked to the new BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series announced today.
Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the $2.1million to be funded through the State Government's Royalties for Regions program will see numerous activities staged across the State in the lead up to the BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series in 2013-15.
"The Department of Sport and Recreation together with Swimming Australia, Swimming WA and WA Water Polo have committed to running activities linked to the event in a number of regional venues," Dr Hames said.
"The Regional Community Engagement Program will culminate in swimming and water polo clinics; 'come and try' days for both sports; and talent identification activities, all delivered by Australia's elite athletes and coaches visiting regional areas in the week immediately preceding the BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series in Perth.
"The elite pool, water polo and open water competition in Perth will be fantastic, but the State Government, Swimming Australia, Swimming WA, WA Water Polo and major sponsor BHP Billiton want the event to also reach into the regions.
"We see the Regional Community Engagement Program as a great opportunity to engage people beyond the metropolitan area in the event, while at the same time promoting those sports and a healthy lifestyle.
"BHP Billiton has been a driving force behind the Regional Community Engagement Program and the company, which is such a big player in regional WA, deserves our gratitude."
In launching the BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series today, Dr Hames said it would become a feature on the international sporting calendar.
"In the pool at Challenge Stadium we'll see the Australian swim team take on the might of the Chinese and South African national teams in a world-class program that will thrill spectators and national and international television viewers alike," he said.
"There will also be international water polo matches featuring the Australian men's and women's teams, and elite and mass participation open-water events.
"Eventscorp is developing an exciting and diverse events calendar for WA."
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said he recognised holding events in regional WA provided a significant economic, social and cultural boost to these communities.
In addition, having these events in regional communities highlighted regional Western Australia as an exciting place to visit as well as a great place to live.
"Royalties for Regions has committed $40million over the next four years to regional events through the Regional Events Program," Mr Grylls said.
"Royalties for Regions funding ensures events like this continue to engage both visitors and communities in regional Western Australia."
Tourism Minister's office - 9222 8788
Regional Development Minister's office - 9213 7000
Video: Announcement
