ELITE sporting competitions being held in Bathurst will once again boost the local economy with businesses set to benefit from the influx of visitors.
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While the recent NSW Combined High School's (CHS) Girls Cricket Championships has highlighted the best talent from across the state, with players travelling from all corners of NSW, it has also highlighted the benefits that sporting competitions bring to Bathurst.
With 10 teams competing in the Championships, approximately 120 girls along with family and friends, coaches and support staff have resulted in a flood of visitors to Bathurst, and Championship Co-Manager, David Amaral, said it was great for the city.
"It's fantastic to be able to host the tournament in Bathurst for the second year in a row because local businesses can really benefit," he said.
"The games are held across four days, so for many families it's almost like a little holiday away, and they always go back and tell people how great Bathurst and the region is.
"The motels and accommodation, the restaurants and cafes, the stores and tourist attractions, they all get a boost when events like this are held in town.
"It's also great that Bathurst Council provides facilities free of charge as they know the value of these events."
Bathurst Councillor and Championship Co-Manager, Graeme Hanger, said that council was always keen to host sporting events.
"We are well known for our sporting facilities," he said.
"You are roughly talking about $140 per person, per overnight stay, so for this tournament alone you are looking in the vicinity of $125,000 being spent in town."
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Local businesses will benefit further with the Bathurst Cup set to be held at Proctor Park this weekend.
79 teams are expected for the annual boys soccer carnival, while on March 6 and 7 approximately 73 girls teams will visit Bathurst to compete in the Proctor Park Challenge.
Bathurst District Football secretary and treasurer Grant Foster said the competition provides an excellent opportunity for local teams to compete against some of the best from across the state.
"The competitions bring the highest level of football to Bathurst," he said.
"Bathurst now has a strong reputation for excellence in hosting these kinds of carnivals and the Proctor Park Complex is recognised as excellent and one of the best in the state."
The soccer carnivals are expected to bring 10,000 visitors to Bathurst across the two weekends, providing a potential $2 million boost to the local economy which is still recovering from the COVID pandemic.