The gliding capital of Australia, Narromine, has been named host of the 2015 FAI Junior World Gliding Championships.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres made the announcement today in Martin Place at the Junior World Gliding Championships Activation Zone where he was joined by representatives from the Gliding Federation of Australia.
“Narromine is one of Australia’s premier locations for air sports, and the Junior World Gliding Championships will attract the world’s best glider pilots under the age of 26 to compete for the World Championship title,” Mr Ayres said.
“The event will provide a major boost to the local visitor economy, with more than 500 international and domestic visitors expected to attend, contributing an estimated $1.15 million in visitor spend. This is another example of the NSW Government supporting major events to grow regional visitor economies around the State.”
The event will be held at the Narromine Aerodrome from 1 – 12 December, and represents the first time the competition has been held outside Europe since it was first contested in 1999. The competition involves various time trials over set courses with pilots tracked via GPS.
Deputy Premier and Member for Dubbo Troy Grant said the event, with a world-wide following, would give Narromine valuable exposure and provide a boost to local businesses.
“The conditions and facilities for aviation at Narromine are regarded among the best in the world, and it has become a great way to attract visitors to the area,” Mr Grant said.
“I am delighted the NSW Government will be working with the Narromine Shire Council and the Gliding Federation of Australia to deliver a great event for Western NSW this summer.”
