Games to bring visitors to Hutt Valley

Local businesses are set for a boost with the Hutt Valley selected as host for the 2012 Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games.

Competitors will be taking part in 39 Sports, which will be played at 27 venues around Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt.

Games organisers expect more than 2,000 competitors to attend the Games, from all over New Zealand, as well as Australia and the Pacific Islands.

Games Director Alison Murray believes the Games will provide a significant boost to local businesses.

“Most of the competitors participating in the Games won’t be Hutt Valley residents, so these people will be staying locally, eating, drinking and shopping in the region for the week. This is a great opportunity for local businesses to benefit, and we are actively promoting the things to do and see in the Hutt Valley. We want to ensure everyone has a great time enjoying the region, as well as being part of a memorable week of sport,” she said.

The event, which is held every two years, has not been staged in New Zealand since 1996. It begins on 2 March with an opening ceremony through central Lower Hutt, and concludes on 9 March.

For more information about the Games visit www.apandesgames.com.