The Minister for Sport and Recreation, Michelle O’Byrne has praised athletes, organisers and volunteers on the spectacular success of the 2009 Hydro Tasmania ICF Wildwater World Cup in Launceston.
Attending the official closing ceremony at the Cataract George today, Ms O’Byrne said the success of the international event bode well for Tasmania hosting similar events in the future.
“The event attracted well over 200 visitors to the state, returning a direct benefit to the Tasmanian economy, conservatively estimated at between $800 000 and $1 million,” Ms O’Byrne said.
“This is a fantastic return for the State Government’s contribution to the event.’’
“Tasmania’s beautiful rivers, coupled with Hydro Tasmania’s ability to release water for kayak events give us an international reputation and ability to host world standard events.
“This event has showcased Tasmania’s natural advantages to the world and has further increased our profile as a nature-based tourism destination particularly in key European markets,” she said.
Ms O’Byrne congratulated all competitors; including the men’s and women’s winners of the World Cup titles.
The International Canoe Federation event is the highest profile wildwater paddling event in the world this year and consisted of six separate races, with 16 countries competing.
