Southern Downs Mayor says athletes could train in Warwick if Brisbane hosts Olympic Games
After the success of hosting the Queensland Hockey Women’s Masters Championships, the Southern Downs Mayor says the region could become an Olympics training ground for a range of sporting events.
Warwick
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After hundreds of athletes from around Queensland descended on the Rose City for a four-day hockey competition last week, there’s renewed talk Warwick could be an training base if Brisbane was to host the 2032 Olympic Games.
More than 700 competitors were in town for the Queensland Hockey Women’s Masters Championships from Thursday to Sunday, with players vying for spots in state representative teams.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said events like the hockey championships showed sporting facilities in Warwick were “second to none”.
“There might be some opportunity to leverage (an Olympic) team or two to practise because of the facilities we’ve got,” Cr Pennisi said.
“It’s not just hockey, it’s also in trap shooting and those sorts of things.”
Cr Pennisi said the region was boosted every time a visitor stopped in the Southern Downs.
“You’re importing the cash into town and everyone benefits and you get the flow-on effect from there,” Cr Pennisi said.
“It’s great for the business people, and it’s great for the sport.”
Motel owners Nina and Alex Bloom agreed saying they depended on events to stay afloat.
“This weekend was fantastic, it just helps me to pay the bills,” Mrs Bloom said.
When the couple bought the City View Motel in January last year, they had no idea that within weeks COVID-19 would force them to all but close.
Mrs Bloom said after a hard start, she was grateful that events were going ahead.
“The rooms have been booked out for the hockey since last year,” she said.
“We’ve got now cash flow to back things up, so this event is definitely helping us.”
While The Cherry Tree Coffee and Dining was often busy, head barista Chloe Riley said the restaurant was under the pump during the four-day competition.
“There were a lot of hockey players over weekend,” Miss Riley said.
“It really helped to give the business a boost up,”
Miss Riley said events gave the cafe an opportunity showcase what the region had to offer.
“It was good to see some new faces and have them try our coffee and food,” she said.
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