Christchurch to host return of Top Town competition

10 October 2008

The classic Top Town television show is returning to our screens and Christchurch’s revamped Jellie Park has the honour of being selected to host the competition.

The competition challenges towns from across the country to compete in a series of games to take the title of New Zealand’s Top Town. The show ran from 1976 to 1990, with Greymouth the last town to take the title.

This year Eyeworks television production company is re-launching the show, and is seeking teams from 15 towns around country to compete.

The Top Town series will be filmed in late November at Christchurch’s recently refurbished Jellie Park, making use of the outdoor swimming pool and surrounding grass area.

Mayor Bob Parker says the competition will be a great opportunity to showcase Christchurch‘s superb facility at Jellie Park, as well as offering locals the opportunity to compete and show Christchurch really is the Top Town in the country.

"I hope we get a great turn out at the park while filming is underway, both to cheer on our local team and those visiting from around the country. The Top Town games are famous for being friendly but still highly competitive, and I’m sure Christchurch residents will get behind the spirit of the event."

The Jellie Park complex recently underwent a $12 million dollar makeover, with new features including a new fitness centre and aerobics studio; two new indoor pools; a new spa, sauna and steam room; and a new indoor hydroslide. The makeover also included refurbishing the well loved outdoor swimming pool and hydroslides.

There will be no impact on access to the indoor pools or fitness centre while filming is underway. Contact Jellie Park on 941 6856 or visit the Council website at www.ccc.govt.nz for any changes to the outdoor pool’s opening times.

Anyone interested in representing Christchurch in the competition can register their interest by emailing bethere@ccc.govt.nz, with ‘top town’ in the subject line. Please include your name, age (must be over 18), contact phone number and weight category – under 75kg, 75 to 90 kg or over 90 kg.

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