Olympics bring city bustle, benefits

An army of athletes and supporters have come to Manawatu by plane, train and car and set up camp for the 2009 Special Olympics National Summer Games.

Destination Manawatu's business development executive Julie O'Brien said the benefit to the city is enormous.

"While there may not be a huge economic benefit felt immediately, there will be a strong spinoff for us in terms of profile and ongoing promotion.

"Most of the athletes are staying in hostel accommodation and many have had to actively fundraise to get to the games to compete. There is also a large amount of support crew, such as health specialists who are staying in hotels and motels throughout the city.

"Plus, of course, there are family, friends and other supporters who need accommodation."

She said there were also other less tangible benefits.

"Realistically, anything that portrays Palmerston North in a positive light has to be good. After all, we unfortunately get our share of negative media."

Ms O'Brien said the standard of accommodation, venues and layout of the city played a huge part in Manawatu securing the event.

Ms O'Brien said events such as the Summer Games had a bigger profile in a city the size of Palmerston North.

Summer Games event manager Sue Kysow said she had been amazed at how the community had embraced the event. The number of volunteers – at 800 – had far outstripped their expectations.

Ease of travel around the city was a large part of securing the event, she said.

"In large cities it can be a logistical nightmare due to traffic jams, the distance between accommodation and venues, and trying to find your way from one side of the city to the other can be hard for people unfamiliar with their surroundings."

Ms O'Brien said the Special Olympics would have a long-lasting effect on the city.

"We will reap the financial rewards from these games for a long time to come."

- © Fairfax NZ News