“I am delighted that the Bravo Team Challenge has been secured for Wollongong, through the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW,” Mr Ajaka said.

“To be held for the first time on 17-19 April 2015, the Bravo Team Challenge is a three day adventure event which will see teams of up to 10 people go head to head in a combination of skills and fitness challenges inspired by military training exercises.

“Competitors will take up challenges in a number of locations and venues throughout the Wollongong region with Mt Keira and coastal and park areas all currently being explored as options for the event course.”

Mr Evans said the growing interest in adventure and action sports will see this event attract an estimated 2,000 international, intrastate and interstate participants to Wollongong which is estimated to deliver more than $1.2 million into the local economy.

“The NSW Government works hard to secure major events for Regional NSW and this is a fantastic addition to the NSW Events Calendar. We look forward to welcoming participants and their families to the Illawarra region, a playground for adventure and thrill seekers,” Mr Evans said.

“Located just one hour’s drive south of Sydney, the Illawarra is a spectacular region of NSW and the Bravo Team Challenge provides a great opportunity for competitors and their supporters to explore and enjoy the superb beaches, great food and wine and all the recreational activities on offer, including skydiving on the beach, hang-gliding or paragliding.”

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said Wollongong was a fitting location to host the Bravo Team Challenge, joining a stellar line-up of events featured in the latest ‘It’s ON! in Wollongong’ co-operative marketing campaign.

“Launching today, the new It’s On! in Wollongong campaign uses the successful creative elements developed by Destination NSW for the state wide ‘It’s ON in NSW’ campaign,” Ms Chipchase said.

“We are proud to partner with Destination Wollongong to present the exciting ‘It’s ON! in Wollongong’ calendar of events. Featuring elite sports like the Four Nations Rugby League and Sydney Sixers Big Bash Trial, alongside summer favourites including Sunset Cinema and the Illawarra Folk Festival, the campaign targets visitors from Sydney and the ACT and will be promoted across radio and online.”

Destination Wollongong General Manager Mark Sleigh said the ‘It’s ON! in Wollongong’ campaign has a proven track record of increasing both overnight and day trip visitation and expenditure to the region.

“The ‘It’s ON in Wollongong’ campaign is an integral component of Destination Wollongong’s annual marketing calendar. The clustering of events encourages overnight stays by giving visitors multiple reasons to visit Wollongong. This, coupled with the diversity of events ensures wide audience appeal and out of region visitation,” Mr Sleigh said.

The events featured in the It’s ON! in Wollongong campaign include:

  • Four Nations Rugby League, 9 November
  • Judo Continental Open, 14-15 November
  • Festival of Flight, 16 November
  • NSW Cycling Grand Prix, November
  • Australian Beach Soccer Cup, 13-14 December
  • Sydney Sixers Big Bash Trail, December
  • Sunset Cinema, December-February
  • Illawarra Folk Festival, 15-18 January
  • Kiama Rugby Sevens, 28 February
  • Australian Surf Rowers Championships, 21-22 March
  • Tri The Gong (including Australian Sprint Championships), 6-8 March
  • Seafood and Sail, March.

The Bravo Team Challenge is being developed by event owner Initiative Sport with the support of the NSW Government, Destination NSW, Destination Wollongong and Wollongong City Council.

For more information, visit: visitnsw.com/wollongong.

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