Christchurch Bids for Quarterfinals
17 July 2008
Christchurch is putting its best foot forward as it lodges its bid to host quarterfinal games for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
“We are confident that the team in Christchurch has done everything it can to secure confirmation of two quarterfinals,” says Mayor Bob Parker.
A steering group made up of Christchurch City Council, Canterbury Rugby Football Union, Police, Vbase, Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism; and Canterbury Development Corporation has put together a powerful case for two matches in the city. That bid has now gone to Rugby New Zealand 2011 for consideration and a recommendation going forward to Rugby World Cup Ltd. RWC will make its decision in early September.
“We’ve had a highly focused and professional team of very committed people working on the Christchurch bid, as well as support from people and groups across the South Island,” says Bob Parker. “We have a compelling case and believe that view will be shared by those making the decisions.
“The hopes and dreams of many thousands of South Island rugby enthusiasts were bundled up with all the technical and logistical information that made up our bid and now all we can do is wait for the outcome. Christchurch deserves two quarterfinals and we believe that the bid document clearly demonstrates that,” he says.
“By 2011 Christchurch will have some of the very best stadium facilities in the country and it will be great to show rugby fans from all over the world how Christchurch and Canterbury can host a world class rugby event in an atmosphere of warm hospitality and friendly sporting rivalry.
“We warmly welcome the opportunity to help Rugby New Zealand 2011 Limited deliver its promise of a world-class event for players, officials, spectators and fans. Beamed to a world-wide cumulative audience of over 4 billion, this is our chance to showcase Christchurch and Canterbury to the world as New Zealand delivers the best-ever Rugby World Cup in 2011,” says Mr Parker.
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