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Sally In Melbourne As Victoria Secures A World Event

19 March 2015

The Andrews Labor Government has locked away another of its major global sporting events for the next two years, keeping the IAAF Melbourne World Challenge at Lakeside Stadium.

Minister for Sport, John Eren, today joined Olympic gold medallist Sally Pearson to announce $100,000 in funding from the Significant Sporting Events Program to ensure Melbourne retains the world series fixture.

The IAAF Melbourne World Challenge – the first meeting of the season – allows fans the chance to witness the state’s most talented athletes fly Victoria’s flag against international stars of the track.

It doubles as a final of the Australian Athletics Tour, where the nation’s best go head-to-head after qualifying at events held all around the country.

But it’s also a chance for tourists from interstate and around the globe to watch the world’s track and field giants in full flight, including an Australian great in Pearson, and world-record holder, Kenyan David Rudisha.

The IAAF Melbourne World Challenge is the only Australian meet on the world tour, proving once more Victoria is the sporting capital of Australia.

Pearson looms as the headline act in the 100m hurdles, while Aussie pole vault young gun Nina Kennedy will be one to watch after setting a new world junior outdoor record leap last month.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, John Eren

“Sally Pearson is one of Australia’s great Olympic athletes. What a treat it is for Victorians to be able to see her up close, right in the heart of Melbourne.”

“Events like the IAAF Melbourne World Challenge are further proof Victoria sets the pace in Australia when it comes to hosting the very best sporting fixtures and Major Events.”

“Events like these don’t just boost tourism and jobs, they give Victorians a chance to see our sporting heroes at our world-class stadiums.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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