The New South Wales Government has formally endorsed Newcastle’s bid to host the 2013 Special Olympics after Premier Barry O’Farrell pledged $1 million in state funding for the Newcastle Council.

 

The Newcastle Council has agreed to contribute $250,000 for the Olympics if the bid is successful, which would draw athletes with intellectual disabilities from 24 countries and bring up to $20 million in direct and indirect economic benefits to the region.

 

"There will be stiff competition and from the best of our knowledge it is from India and Malaysia at this stage, but I think because of the venues we have here and clearly there's the ability of Australians to host very successful games and sporting events,” Newcastle MP Tim Owen told the ABC.

 

"I think we've got a very good chance of winning it and we'll certainly be putting a very competitive and compelling bid."