CHOGM 2011 Sporting Event Announced

Federal Member for Perth Stephen Smith MP and Premier of Western Australia Colin Barnett recently announced two new sporting events, for selected Commonwealth nations, during the lead up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

The sporting competitions are being jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments and will take place in the week preceding CHOGM 2011.

On 23 October, champion netball teams the New Zealand Silver Ferns and the Australian Netball Diamonds will take part in a netball match, part of the Holden Netball Test Series. Prior to this South Africa and Malawi will compete in a curtain raiser.

Netball Australia CEO Kate Palmer said that Perth fans would have the chance to see four of the world’s top seven teams in action.

"This special sporting fixture is an unprecedented opportunity to witness some of the world’s greatest players in action," Ms Palmer said.

"We are delighted that international netball is set to return to Perth for the first time since 2005, when the Diamonds hosted South Africa.  The New Zealand Silver Ferns were last in WA in 2004."

A newly formatted hockey tournament, known as the International Super Series, featuring men’s and women’s competitions will also be on display from 20-23 October. The hockey tournament will include teams from Australia, India, Malaysia, Pakistan and New Zealand and be held at the Perth Hockey Stadium in Bentley. 

Australia CEO Mark Anderson said the CHOGM 2011 hockey tournament would be unlike any other hockey tournament in the world.

"For the first time ever hockey will introduce several new and unique rules developed to make the game even faster and more exciting, with fans sure to experience hockey like they have never seen it before," Mr Anderson said. 

Mr Smith said that it was important that the Perth community experienced tangible benefits from hosting CHOGM 2011, the Commonwealth’s most senior policy and decision-making body, and that the new sporting tournaments were a way to thank residents.

Tickets for both CHOGM 2011 sporting fixtures will go on sale in the coming months.  For more information go to the Hockey Australia website and Netball Australia website.

Photos from the event can be found in the CHOGM 2011 website photo gallery.