The alliance is set to to promote the City of Newcastle and ensure a legacy from the two events.
“The news that Australia’s 2015 Asian Cup has formed a strategic alliance with the Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games comes as great news for Newcastle and NSW, which is hosting both events,” Member for Newcastle, Tim Owen said.
“The 2015 Asian Cup will be the biggest football tournament ever staged in Australia. This alliance between the Asian Cup and the Special Olympics will involve both organisations in a knowledge-sharing agreement, which will offer significant mutual benefits.”
To celebrate the partnership, a friendly mini-match was played between two Newcastle Jets A-League players and Special Olympics footballers at Hunter Stadium – the venue for the opening ceremony on 1 December of the inaugural Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games (SOAPG) for athletes with an intellectual disability.
The 2015 Asian Cup, also to be held at the Hunter Stadium, will see four matches, including a semi-final and the third-fourth place play-off.
NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris said: “The NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, is proud to support the Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games, which is expected to bring an economic impact of over $8 million to the region.
“I commend the Asian Cup/Special Olympics alliance on its collaborative focus in sharing knowledge as well as working to achieve beneficial outcomes for all involved. The alliance will provide a major boost for both events.”
Minister for Sport Gabrielle Upton said: “With its long and proud history of sporting achievement, Newcastle is the perfect venue to host both of these major events and this alliance definitely delivers a win-win situation.”
Minister Upton has also reminded supporters, sports fans and local residents that tickets are available for the Opening Ceremony on 1 December at Hunter Stadium.
“The Special Olympics is an extraordinary example of the power of sport to uplift our spirits and unite our communities,” said Ms Upton.
“With some 2,500 athletes and carers from 32 nations competing in nine different sports, the Asia Pacific Games will be the largest international sporting event for people with an intellectual disability ever held in Australia.
Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said: “Visitors to both the 2015 Asian Cup and Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games are also encouraged to explore Newcastle itself as well as surrounding areas, including the spectacular beaches and countryside of the Hunter region.”
Tickets for the Special Olympics are available from ProTicket at www.proticket.com.au or phone 1300 121 012.
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