The NSW Government has marked the 100 days-to-go milestone for the UCI Road World Championships to announce recipients in the final round of the event’s Legacy Partnership Program.
Twelve Illawarra organisations have shared in $220,000 in grants for programs and projects that will promote cycling throughout the Illawarra.
The UCI Road World Championships Legacy Partnership Program is a three-year initiative of the Local Organising Committee, Wollongong 2022 in collaboration with the NSW Government that has seen $420,000 awarded to 26 organisations across the region.
Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said with 100 days-to-go until the first race, now was the perfect time to announce the recipients in the Program’s final round.
“Like a peloton racing to the finish line, the UCI Road World Championships is approaching at a cracking pace,” Mr Ayres said.
“The awarding of grants in the final round of the Legacy Partnership Program adds to the excitement and anticipation building ahead of this incredible event that will cement the region’s reputation as a cycling capital.
“This program is already leaving a legacy that will be felt across the region long after the last race is run, and the projects awarded funding today will add to that.”
Wollongong 2022 Chair Dean Dalla Valle said the Illawarra community had shown great interest in bike riding ahead of the UCI Road World Championships.
“It’s fantastic to see so many cycling-related initiatives being implemented across the Illawarra, from education programs to facility upgrades and tourism campaigns to promote local cycling experiences,” Mr Dalla Valle said.
“These activities make bike riding more accessible to an even bigger audience and will help to engage the local community in the sport ahead of the world’s best cyclists arriving in Wollongong to compete between 18 to 25 September.”
AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner said the eyes of the world will be focused on Wollongong in September and she couldn’t wait to see the very best riders battling it out.
“Building from the excitement of the event is critical and that’s why this legacy program is so important,” Ms Fechner said.
“Well done to the Illawarra riding and cycling organisations that have grasped this final opportunity.”
Funding was available for projects in Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven , Wingecarribee and Wollondily local government areas with grants of $10,000 – $50,000 available. Recipients are required to provide a 50 per cent co-contribution to their project.
