WARRINGTON’S bid to be a host town for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup was described as “second to none” during a special launch event at the town hall.
Thanking Warrington for their outstanding bid Rugby League Chief Executive Nigel Wood said it was “second to none” as the Warrington Consortium Bid Team and guests celebrated that the town will host two games.
The Halliwell Jones Stadium will host a group match and quarter final, while an international team will have a base camp and training venue in the town.
As reported on Monday on warrington-worldwide, the boost to the local economy could exceed £2 million.
Entertainment at the event included children from Penketh High School performing the haka outside the Town Hall and the Mercian Regiment marching across the lawn followed by Warrington Pipe band.
Children from Lysander, William Beamont and Great Sankey High Schools’ waved flags representing each of the nations participating in the tournament, and pupils from St Oswalds Catholic and St Paul of the Cross Catholic Primary Schools’ demonstrated touch rugby.
Terry O’Neill, leader of Warrington Borough Council, said: “It really is tremendous that Warrington has been successful in it’s bid to be a host for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup – it will provide a real boost to the town. It’s a fantastic achievement and I’d like to thank the bid team, businesses, University of Chester, our local clubs, young people, and the public for getting behind the bid – we couldn’t have done it without you.”
Wolves’ head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith added: “It’s an honour and great recognition for our town and our great club here. We are very proud to be part of it, and proud of not only our ground but our training venue as well which is also going to be utilised. We put in a really strong bid and it’s great that it has been recognised in the
best possible way with two matches.
“It will help raise the profile of the sport and the name of Warrington and Warrington Wolves as a brand as well. With it being the World Cup it will be watched all over the world and we are very proud of that fact.”
Chamber of Commerce Chief executive Colin Daniels welcomed the news saying: “Congratulations to all those involved in the bid. This will provide a major economic boost to the town.”
The town’s successful bid has been hugely supported by the public with thousands of residents signing the e-petition or backing the bid by texting in.
Warrington will find out which team they will host in January.
Pictures (from the top) show RL CEO Nigel Wood with Deputy Mayor Steve Wright and Leader of the Council Cllr Terry O’Neill and the Mercian Regiment delivering the World Cup ball to the town hall.
World Cup bid second to none!
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
