The biennial event is named after Mark Bingham, a member of the San Francisco gay rugby union team who died on board United Airlines Flight 93 during the September 11 tragedy.

Minister Upton said “The NSW Government is immensely proud to support the Bingham Cup through financial and in-kind contributions to assist with the Local Organising Committee with marketing and other operational costs.

“This will be the first time the event has taken place in the Southern Hemisphere and will be a spectator showcase of rugby with my local team, the Sydney Convicts, defending their 2012 Gay Rugby World Championship against interstate and international rivals,” Ms Upton said.

“As Minister for Sport and Recreation, I am passionate about encouraging more people of all ages, from all walks of life, to get involved in sport on a regular basis.

“Events like this help inspire the next generation of stars, like Michael Hodge from the NSW Waratahs or Michael Pyke from the Sydney Swans, to get down to the park and have a kick with friends.

“Importantly, this event reinforces the inclusive nature of sport and highlights the power of sport in making communities from Rose Bay to Rylstone strong, healthy and connected.”

Member for Coogee, Bruce Notley-Smith, said Cup Week will run over eight days from 27-31 August this year and will be hosted at the home ground of the Sydney Convicts on the Harbour side ovals of Woollahra 1,2 and 3 and Lyne Park, in Rose Bay.

“The schedule includes warm up matches and a fantastic programme of social events, with the official tournament to take place on 29, 30 and 31 of August,” Mr Notley-Smith said.

“Gabrielle and I look forward to welcoming all players to NSW, and watching them participate in a fun, engaging and competitive sporting environment,” Mr Notley-Smith said.

Minister for Major Events and Tourism, George Souris, said “Sydney will be only the seventh city to host the Bingham Cup and this reinforces Sydney’s status as the major sporting events capital of Australia.”

“Up to 40 teams from 15 countries, 1500 players and 10,000 spectators will flock to Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs for a rugby bonanza,” Mr Souris said.
Andrew Purchas, President of Bingham Cup Sydney 2014 and Founder of Sydney Convicts Rugby Club, said he’s looking forward to welcoming the gay rugby teams and their supporters from around the world.

“We look forward to showcasing our magnificent and beautiful city and State, and demonstrating how warm, welcoming and friendly Australia is to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Transgender, Intersex communities,” Mr Purchas said.

“We are very appreciative of the NSW Government’s support, which is providing invaluable assistance in staging a first class international rugby tournament.”

Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase, said she hopes the players and supporters take time out to enjoy Sydney and NSW while they’re here.

“Sydney is the gateway to regional NSW and Bingham Cup provides a great opportunity for players, officials, spectators and supporters from interstate to explore the best that regional NSW has to offer,” Ms Chipchase said.

For more information, please visit binghamcup.com.au or facebook.com/bingham2014.

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