City celebrates Special Olympics announcement

Published on 05 September 2018

The City of Launceston is delighted to be announced as the host city of the Special Olympics Australia National Games in 2020 and 2022.

Mayor Albert van Zetten said today's announcement was an enormous coup for the city, with more than 1800 Special Olympics athletes, along with families and volunteers, set to converge on Northern Tasmania.

Mayor van Zetten paid tribute to the hard-working team who put together Launceston's successful bid for the Junior National Games in 2020 and the National Games in 2022.

"This is just tremendous for Launceston to win the rights to host the Special Olympics - I'm delighted by today's announcement and believe the city will open its hearts to the athletes and their families," Mayor van Zetten said.

"It's important that as a society, we can break down the barriers for people with an intellectual disability.

"Launceston has always been a city that embraces diversity and I encourage everyone from right across Tasmania to come to Launceston in 2020 and 2022 and support these athletes and their families and supporters.

"I have absolutely no doubt it will be a huge success not only for the Special Olympics but our beautiful and welcoming city.

"On behalf of the people of Launceston, the Council has invested significantly in a wide range of high quality sporting venues across the municipality that will no doubt play a key role in the success of this event.

"Facilities like the Launceston Leisure and Aquatic Centre, the St Leonards athletics track, University of Tasmania Stadium and the St Leonards hockey centre are fantastic assets to the city."