Media release

19 October 2012

International recognition for Auckland as a sports city

The 2012 International Sports Event Management Awards today announced Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) as a finalist for the prestigious Sport City Award.

The ISEM Awards are the only international Awards to recognise excellence in the global sports event management industry. Conducted annually and now in its sixth year, the Awards honour sports event management industry leaders through the acknowledgment of outstanding performance and service excellence in the organising of major international sports events.

Destination Acting General Manager, Jennah Wootten sees today’s announcement as industry recognition for the cohesive approach Auckland has to major sporting events.

“Every event we either proactively bid for, or sponsor, must align with Auckland’s Major Events strategy. International recognition like this shows that our approach to major events is working. It’s exactly the type of progress we want to see for Auckland,” says Ms Wootten.

“Auckland really is a true sport city. Over the past year ATEED, on behalf of Auckland Council, has hosted some of the world’s largest sporting events including RWC 2011 in Auckland, the Volvo Ocean Race, the ITU Triathlon World Cup, and World Rally Championship 2012. This weekend we host the Barfoot & Thompson World Triathlon Grand Final and next weekend the adidas Auckland Marathon.”

ATEED has secured the rights to host a stream of high quality international events with the 2013 calendar including the V8 Supercars 2013, Ironman 70.3, 2013 World Softball Championships and 2013 World BMX Championships. Future sporting events secured for Auckland include the 2015 FIFA U-20s Men’s World Cup, 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, and World Masters’ Games 2017.

ATEED Board Chair David McConnell, says: “The calibre of finalists for the Sport City Award is staggering, I’m proud to see Auckland listed alongside Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, Glasgow, London, Manchester, and Melbourne. This nomination is another feather in Auckland’s cap as we strive to be the world’s most liveable city.”

The prestigious black tie 2012 International Sports Event Management Awards evening will take place on 7th November at the Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch London, where winners will be announced and the international sports event management industry will gather to celebrate and recognise organisations for their work over the last year.

Ends

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