Our sports events bump up tourism

LISMORE’S motels and eateries were the beneficiary as more than 800 young competitors converged for one of the biggest athletic events of the year.

TRACKSIDE VIEW: Punters enjoying the day at the Lismore Races on Saturday. Picture: Doug Eaton

LISMORE'S motels and eateries were the beneficiary of hundreds of sports mad families over the weekend as more than 800 young competitors converged for one of the biggest athletic events of the year.

The Little Athletics Region One Championships, where competitors were vying for a place in the state finals at Homebush Stadium in Sydney, brought families from as far south as Forster and west to Narrabri.

For nine-year-old Port Macquarie sprinter Chloe Gilder and her brother Nathan, 16, such trips are a regular event.

Nathan and Chloe both compete in the 100m, 200m, 400m and relays.

They woke up at 3am on Saturday morning to drive up the Pacific Hwy in darkness with mum Kelly Haire.

Ms Haire takes her children to five such events every year, three along the North Coast and two in Sydney.

"My parents would never take me to state (finals)," Ms Haire said.

"I always made it through the regionals, but Sydney was too far away from them."

"I suppose that's why I'm happy to take my children now."

Staying at the Gateway Motel, the family was planning on finding a nice place to eat and then getting a well-deserved night's sleep before getting up again to compete on Sunday.

Ten-year-old high jumper Chloe Sarks was also enjoying Lismore with her mum and dad and baby brother Toby.

They visited Fire in the Belly for pizza on Friday night.

"It's a nice little town... we've been up here before for a day trip, but not to stay," mum Joanne said.

"There's lots of nice little arcades and restaurants and bakeries."

The local economy also felt the benefits of World Midget Speedcar Championships at Lismore Showground, the Northern Premier League 20/20 match at Oakes Oval on Friday, and a Saturday afternoon TAB meet at the Lismore Turf Club.

Lismore City Council's tourism co-ordinator Mitch Lowe said it was a huge weekend for the town.

"More and more we are seeing these major events and the influx of visitors has a huge impact," Mr Lowe said.