Let the games begin – here

THE Northern University Games kicks off in Lismore next month and is the first of six sporting events expected to inject about $10 million into the city.

Picture: Mireille Merlet-Shaw

THE Northern University Games kicks off in Lismore next month and is the first of six sporting events expected to inject about $10 million into the city this year.

The events are expected to attract 2600 visitors to the region, Lismore City Council events co-ordinator John Bancroft said.

"NSW Tourism estimates that visitors spend on average $140 a day in the local economy - and that's a conservative estimate - so throughout 2012 we're talking about a huge boon for Lismore businesses," Mr Bancroft said.

The Northern University Games, to be held from July 1-6 at various Lismore venues, will attract 1400 visitors in a variety of sports including rugby union, AFL, baseball, golf, hockey, water polo, tennis and basketball.

Participants will come from as far as the Northern Territory.

Mr Bancroft said the council was proactive in bidding for sporting events and community sporting associations were also enthusiastic about promoting the city as an event location.

Lismore's exceptional sporting facilities were a real drawcard plus the city was well placed to cater for the accommodation, dining and leisure needs of visitors

"Lismore is becoming the city of choice between Coffs Harbour and Tweed Heads for major sporting fixtures and that's something we're excited about and will continue to build on.

"Even for people who aren't directly involved in local sports or aren't fans, these events will have a huge flow-on effect and everyone who has worked to secure them should be justly proud."

$10m events

July 1-6 Northern University Games expected to draw 1400 visitors

October 28-30 Cricket NSW State Under-17 Championships

November 5-8 NSW Primary Schools Sports Association Girls' Cricket Carnival

November 24-25 Softball NSW Under-15 State Championships

December 2-6 Australian University Twenty20 Cricket Championships

December 12-17 Trinity Catholic Cricket Championships

Originally published as Let the games begin – here