Last held in Australia 24 years ago, in 1991, the Netball World Cup will return to Sydney over ten days, from Friday 7 August to Sunday 16 August 2015.

“I’m delighted to be here today for the launch of the 2015 Netball World Cup which will be held here in Sydney, Australia’s global events city,” Ms Upton said.
“As Australia’s home of netball, it is a fitting host city for the Netball World Cup.

“Netball is the most popular women’s sport in Australia with a national membership exceeding 340,000 and NSW is Australia’s netball powerhouse, accounting for around one-third of nationally registered players.

“More than 350 athletes and officials from sixteen nations, and delegates from across the world, will come to Sydney, to take part in ten days of competition at host venue, Sydney Olympic Park.

“The Australian Diamonds have a strong history with the Netball World Cup and I have no doubt Netball fans across Australia will join me in my excitement at seeing the Diamonds attempt to secure the crown for the 11th time in 2015 here on home soil.

“The NSW Government works hard to secure world class major sporting events for NSW and hosting the next Netball World Cup is an example of this commitment,” Minister Upton said.

Minister Upton was joined by President of the International Netball Federation, Molly Rhone, of Jamaica, Minister Assisting the Premier for Women Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Netball World Cup Ambassador Mrs Margie Abbott, current national players from Australia, New-Zealand, Jamaica and England and former Australian Diamonds coaches and players.

Ms Upton said 2015 will be a big year for sports fans in NSW.

“Sydney will also play host to the Asia Football Cup and Cricket World Cup in 2015 both of which will provide a huge economic boost to our state,” Ms Upton said.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, said, “The 2015 Netball World Cup will change from an eight day competition format to ten days and the direct visitor impact to NSW is estimated to be almost $6 million, with an even larger cumulative impact to the local economy.”

“With an international reputation for staging the biggest and best events in the country, Sydney is a fitting location for the 2015 Netball World Cup.
“Visitors will have the opportunity to see the best in world netball and take in all that our beautiful harbour city has to offer.

“The NSW Government looks forward to working with the 2015 Netball World Cup organising committee to deliver the biggest and best World Cup yet.”

Netball World Cup, CEO, Marne Fechner, said, “The Netball World Cup Organising Committee couldn’t ask for a better partner than the NSW Government.”

“Through Destination NSW, the NSW Government has been with us every step of the way since we first launched our bid to host the event in Australia.

“What has really stood out to us is the way in which they genuinely share our passion and excitement for bringing netball’s pinnacle event to Sydney.

“We are confident that the Netball World Cup Sydney 2015 will set a new benchmark for international netball, providing an event which will thrill players, officials and spectators, and leave a long-lasting legacy for our sport.”

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