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City of Greater Shepparton
URL: http://www.greatershepparton.com.au/news/countryweektennis.html
Please note: this is an archived news article release.
This article was published on 17 September 2012. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Region to hold court for 2014 Country Week Tennis
News article released on Monday 17 September 2012
Representatives from Shepp Lawn Tennis Club, Mooroopna Lawn Tennis Club and Greater Shepparton City Council at the launch of the 2014 Country Week Tennis event
Community and sporting groups across Greater Shepparton will benefit from Country Week Tennis, one of the biggest participation grass court tennis tournaments in the world, to be held in Shepparton and Mooroopna in 2014.
To accommodate the event, which requires 90 grass tennis courts, 58 of which will be in Mooroopna, upgrades for Mooroopna's John Gray Oval and other ovals at the Mooroopna Sports Precinct, and the open space event area at Victoria Park Lake.
"This is a massive event that will have lasting benefits for the whole community," said Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Michael Polan at the formal announcement of the event today. "Around sixteen community groups and sporting clubs have been consulted in planning for this. As well as the economic benefits of the estimated 1200 plus extra visitors during the weeklong event, the legacy of infrastructure upgrades will be enjoyed by the community for many years to come."
"Country Week Tennis hasn't been held in Greater Shepparton in its 32 year history, we competed against Horsham, Yarrawonga and Wangaratta for the privilege," Cr Polan said. "This has been the result of a high level of cooperation and hard work from Council, Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club and Mooroopna Lawn Tennis Club.
"Community groups, service clubs and sporting clubs will have the opportunity to benefit through revenue generated by catering, hospitality and parking. The tournament may bring as much as $3 million to Greater Shepparton in direct economic benefit, with up to $4.4 million in flow on benefits for the region.
"It also builds on the strength of Greater Shepparton as a key regional events destination."
Victorian Country Tennis Association Administrator Mrs Pat Gilchrist said that she was impressed with Greater Shepparton's bid, and was confident that the event would be a great success.
"We are very excited to be hosting country week in Greater Shepparton, which has a strong and vibrant tennis community," Mrs Gilchrist said.
"Players consider country week to be the regional grand slam and are really looking forward to coming to a new location and many have already been to the area to scope out accommodation and the great facilities it has to offer."
Country Tennis Week is held in the second week of February each year, a week-long tournament attended by approximately 1200 participants aged between 18 and 70. The week long format includes an active social program
Historically the event is typically a sell out and has the potential to attract between 2000 to 3000 people, including players, officials, partners and support persons.
Fast facts:
- Sixteen community groups and sporting clubs have been consulted in planning for the 2014 event.
- 58 of the 90 required courts will be in Mooroopna, 48 at the Mooroopna Sports Precinct ovals.
- Mooroopna will enjoy significant upgrades to Mooroopna's John Gray Oval and minor upgrades to the back ovals four and five at the Mooroopna Sports Precinct.
- The 2014 Country Week Tennis tournament may bring as much as $3 million to Greater Shepparton in direct economic benefit, and up to $4.4 million in flow on benefits for the region
- This is one of the biggest participation grass court tennis tournaments in the world, typically attracting around 1200 players and is held in the second week of February each year.
- This is the first time Greater Shepparton will be host in the event's 32 year history, competing against Horsham, Yarrawonga and Wangaratta for the privilege.
- Released 17 September 2012