Wollongong to Host Eastern University Games

Wollongong

Wollongong will host thousands of visiting university athletes from across NSW and the ACT when the Eastern University Games comes to the city in 2016.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said as the largest regional university multi-sport event in Australia, the Eastern University Games will see participants compete to be crowned Overall Champion University for the year across a range of sports.

“Next year's Eastern University Games are expected to bring more than 3,000 visitors to Wollongong, generating over $2 million for the visitor economy,” Mr Ayres said.

“The NSW Government's tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, secured this event for Regional NSW from 2014 to 2016, and I'm delighted it will return to Wollongong next year, having last been held in the city in 2013.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast Gareth Ward said the Games would make use of the state-of-the art facilities at University of Wollongong and throughout the city.

“With 16 sports to be played at the Games, participants will experience the range of top quality sporting facilities in Wollongong as well as the great accommodation options, with providers set to be very busy during the Games,” Mr Ward said.

“Participants can also take time outside the competition to experience some of Wollongong's fantastic adventure activities, enjoy our stunning waterways and nature reserves, or indulge in top quality regional food and wine.”

The 2016 Eastern University Games are organised by Australian University Sport and hosted by the University of Wollongong and Wollongong City Council, with the support of the NSW Government's through Destination NSW.