CHANGING YEARS: Big year for Canterbury sport

From: Northland Age, New Zealand - 03 Dec 2003

Christchurch Star

By Nick Tolerton

The rugby World Cup may already be dominating the thinking of sports fans looking ahead to 2003.

But it is also going to be a big year for sport in Christchurch.

As well as the excitement of the Crusaders chasing their fifth Super 12 title in six years, several international championships have been pencilled in for the city.

The first is already under way, with the six-nation international deaf bowls championship officially opening here on New Year’s Day.

In April, Super Games 2003 and the world masters and junior international indoor cricket tournaments will bring large numbers of competitors to the city.

And in October-November, Christchurch hosts the world wheelchair games.

These events look to build on the reputation Christchurch has established as a friendly and extremely efficient host of big international sports events.

Others which should bring large numbers of sportpersons to the city in 2003 include the national veteran table tennis tournament in April and the South Island masters games in October.

And planning is well under way for a major event at the start of 2004 -- the 11th world men’s softball championship.

©2003 Wilson and Horton