MORE than 5600 university students will descend on the western suburbs when the Australian University Games begins this weekend.
It is the first time the six-day event has been held in Perth since 2010, with 34 sports on offer and former Olympic swimmer Eamon Sullivan attending as the 2016 patron.
UWA Vice Chancellor Paul Johnson said the five partner universities and wider community were looking forward to a week of serious competition and good fun.
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READ NOW“The Australian University Games provides students with an incredible opportunity to compete against some of the highest calibre of athletes in the country connect with like-minded students and represent their university on a national stage,” Professor Johnson said.
“It’s been six years since the Games have been held in Perth and we are looking forward to welcoming more than 5600 university athletes from the east coast, central Australia and Tasmania to our home turf.”
City of Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi said the City was proud to be a corporate sponsor of the Australian University Games.
“It will not only inject economic benefits to the City through spending and accommodation, but market Perth as a place to study, work, do business and live,” she said.
“With around 6000 competitors and support staff, the Games will support retailers, bars, hospitality, restaurants, cafe and tourism.”