11/5/04
Western Australians will be treated to elite action sports competition in one of the world’s leading lifestyle events in October.
Tourism Minister Bob Kucera said it would be the first time the Gravity Games had been staged outside the United States.
“Gravity Games H�O will feature 250 of the world’s best action sports athletes competing in wake boarding, kite surfing and tow-in surfing right here in Western Australia,” Mr Kucera said.
“There will also be a Gravity Games H�O Festival incorporating a BMX course, a skate park, rock climbing wall and other interactive opportunities.”
The festival will feature leading local and national music acts on a free festival stage, and national and international acts in a ticketed concert series known as Soundwave presented by rock promoter Michael Chugg.
The Gravity Games series - including Gravity Games Summer, Gravity Games H�O and, in 2005, Gravity Games Winter - generates enormous media exposure throughout the world.
Gravity Games is owned by US broadcaster The Outdoor Life Network that has a reach in North America of more than 60million TV homes.
“The exposure for WA as a result of this event will be extremely significant and will do much to reinforce our reputation as a great destination for youth, and adventure travellers of all ages,” the Minister said.
“In the lead-up to the main event there will be a Gravity Challenge for amateur extreme sports competitors from around Australia in four core events - inline vert, skateboard vert, bike vert and wakeboarding.
“The direct expenditure stemming from Gravity Games H�O is expected to be around $1.15million but the biggest impact will come from global media coverage.”
Gravity Games H�O will be seen in more than 60 countries and by more than 300 million people, including key tourism markets for travel to WA - China, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia, as well as Germany, the UK, New Zealand, South Africa, Scandinavia and the Middle East.
Minister's office: 9213 7000
