As the final count down begins to the European Wheelchair Basketball Championships, to be hosted at the University of Worcester Arena from 28 August – 6 September, local business leaders have said that they expect to see a contribution of £1.5 million to the local Worcestershire economy.
This article is from Worcestershire LEP – here
The event will be an official #EveryRoadtoRio European qualifier, attracting teams and fans from across Europe hoping to see some of the best teams in the world compete, whilst avoiding the hefty price tag associated with a trip to Rio.
The event is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors to Worcester alongside 350 competitors and 250 Volunteers and officials.
A number of local businesses have already supported the event including Lesk Precision Engineers who have provided the trophies for the event and The Great British Florist who are providing the flowers.
Charlie Bethel, CEO of British Wheelchair Basketball said: “Following 2012 we experienced a tremendous spike of interest from the British public, the media and commercial partners. We continue to be the largest Paralympic Sport in the country and the inclusive format of the sport is broadening the appeal to the mainstream, especially TV viewers.”
| “Worcester will be able to reap the financial benefit” |
Gary Woodman, Executive Director of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Worcester will undoubtedly be able to reap the financial benefit of hosting such a high-profile sporting event. Last year’s Tour of Britain staged in Worcestershire added nearly £1m to our local economy and we expect that the European Wheelchair Basketball Championships will benefit our local businesses.”
Leader of Worcestershire County Council, Councillor Adrian Hardman said: “We want to share with visitors to the county what Worcestershire residents have known for a long time – Worcestershire is a great place to visit and to live. We hope that the Championships are for many visitors the start of a longer commitment to visiting the county.”
Kelly Key, Tourism Development Officer at Visit Worcestershire said: “The influx of visitors to the City from across Europe is a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we have to offer locally. Word of mouth recommendation is very powerful and we hope that competitors return to their friends and family singing Worcestershire’s praises.”
| “It isn’t too late for local businesses to get involved” |
Joanna Sutherland, Event Director of the European Championships said: “It isn’t too late for local businesses to get involved. We have a few spaces left for corporate entertaining at the European Championships and we are still keen to hear from any business who has something interesting to add to the event.”
Local businesses wishing to get more involved in the European Championships should contact e.westwood@britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk
To buy tickets to this event please visit www.euro2015.uk or call the ticketline 0844 888 9991
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