Christchurch expecting a black out this month

3 July 2007

Christchurch is expecting a black out this month as the rugby-loving city Paints it All Black to show their support for the All Blacks, wishing them all the best in bringing home the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Schools, rugby clubs, businesses, retailers and residents are being encouraged to show their one true colour by dressing the city up in black, says Council Recreation and Sports Manager John Filsell.

Organised by the Council, in conjunction with the New Zealand and Canterbury Rugby Unions, the Paint it All Black promotion kicks off next Monday, 9 July, with the All Blacks signing autographs at Westfield Riccarton from 5pm to 5.30pm. It runs through to 6 August when the city is invited to Victoria Square at 12.30pm to give their team a fitting send off on their tour to France to bring back the Cup.

Mr Filsell says all schools, rugby clubs and retail associations had been written to encouraging them to get behind the Paint it All Black promotion and be in with the chance to win some great prizes.

"With New Zealand hosting the next Rugby World Cup in 2011, we need to send our team off to these championships knowing there are four million people at home barracking for them to bring back the coveted prize which they will then defend on home soil in 2011.

"I encourage everyone to get behind this promotion – create banners and wrap this city in the only fashionable colour this season – black. Lets show our boys, on behalf of the South Island, that we are behind them 100% and that we have the confidence we will be welcoming them back to our city in October to celebrate their win!"

Details of the promotion are available at www.ccc.govt.nz/paintitallblack or by phoning 941 8999.

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