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Introduction
The South East has much to offer, an appealing mix of high quality beautiful countryside, a long and varied coastline, areas of outstanding natural beauty, numerous attractive historic cities and towns all providing a magnificent setting for sport.
As a region we have many world-class venues. We are proud to host Stoke Mandeville, the birth place of the Paralympics (1948). The region is famous for world-renowned brands and events such as Brands Hatch for motor racing, the Epsom Derby for horse racing, Henley Regatta, Blenheim Palace for eventing. Cowes Week and Show Jumping at Hickstead and this year the spectacular Dorney Lake will host the World Rowing Championships.
In 2005 Tourism South East, SEEDA, Culture South East and Sport England commissioned Strategic Leisure Ltd to prepare a Major Sports Events Strategy Framework for the South East Region.
The research showed that the development of major sports events in the South East can have a significant impact on the quality of life in the Region. Key opportunities identified included:
- Cluster development
- Tourism
- Place marketing
- Locational advantage
- Regeneration
- Employment
- Volunteer development
- Sports development legacy
- Development of infrastructure.
The research showed that major sports events don’t just attract more business and leisure visitors to the region. They also help raise the profile of the regional offer, helping to attract inward investors, making the South East special and distinctive. The study also demonstrated that the people of the South East benefit economically and socially and major sports events contribute significantly to the quality of life.
Sports Events South East was formed as an outcome of the research. By working strategically and in partnership we can capitalise on major events across the region. This will create greater potential to boost economic growth, and make the South East a competitive, professional and desirable destination hosting sports events.
The partnership can only reap these beneficial outcomes if we all work with a wide range of external partners in the region.
How to get involved...
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