Hutt City gets set to welcome Games participants

Fifteen hundred emergency services personnel from throughout Australasia will travel to Lower Hutt to participate in the 2012 Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games.

The Games are being held in the Hutt Valley from 2 – 9 March and have attracted a good mix of police, fire service, ambulance and other emergency services from both sides of the Tasman to compete in over 35 sports.

Hutt City Mayor Ray Wallace is encouraging residents to get out and support the participants on the City’s sportsfields. “This is a great international event which Hutt City is fortunate to host,” says Mr Wallace

He also called on residents to show their community spirit in supporting the participants who are making the city their home during the Games.

“Come out and enjoy the games and cheer on the some heroes that our community relies upon in times of need” says Mr Wallace.

The athletes will compete in traditional sports such as, Cycling, Golf, Swimming and Athletics, along with a huge array of team events such as Netball, Volleyball, T20 Cricket and Soccer. As an added addition several of the sports will host a trans-tasman clash on Friday 9 March.

The Games is more than a sporting event – there’s a major social element to it with, a range of entertainment across the eight nights. The Petone Working Mens Club will be party central and a hive of activity throughout the tournament by providing a great venue for participants to get-together and let their hair down after a big day of competition.

A full schedule of the Games events is available on the Council’s website – www.huttcity.govt.nz