A WEEKEND of extreme sports that is expected to attract 10,000 spectators and a worldwide television audience has received in-principle support from the City of Bunbury at last Tuesday’s council meeting.
Council has agreed to enter into negotiations to fund $100,000 a year for the next three years to secure the Action Sports Games in Bunbury, which involves international wakeboard and water-ski big jump tournament, freestyle motocross demonstrations plus BMX and skateboard competitions.
Funds would be allocated from the annual Event Funding pool subject to the development and approval of a satisfactory business case and due diligence report.
Action Sports Games organisers would also need to attract further funding from other sources to successfully stage the event.
The Action Sports Games, which have been held in Mandurah for the past four years, is WA’s second biggest international regional event next to the Margaret River Pro World Tour surfing tournament, an event the ASG currently coordinates.
Bunbury Event Coordination Group chair Monique Warnock said the group had recommended the Action Sports Games be supported as it would meet the requirements for an “iconic” event.
“The Action Sports Games attracts 10,000 people to Bunbuy as well as invaluable destination marketing because it is televised worldwide which will showcase Bunbury and our unique waterways,” she said.
She said an astounding 24 countries would be competing in the event but they had to wait several months for $500,000 Royalties for Regions funding to be approved before the event could go ahead.
“It’s a free event which is accessible to all member of the community, people can grab a vantage point...and seethe action for free,” she said.
“It’s exactly the event which we were looking for Bunbury.”
City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said the Action Sports Games was an ideal event to capitalise on Bunbury’s aquatic features.
“This is an opportunity to promote Bunbury, its magnificent waterways and enviable lifestyle to an audience that will reach across Australia and to other parts of the globe,” Mr Brennan said.
It is anticipated the free community event would be held on Koombana Bay and Bicentennial Square in March each year.
