Gymnastics New Zealand (Gymnastics NZ) has announced they have secured hosting rights for the 2020 Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships, to take place in Tauranga 17-19 April 2020.
The biennial event gathers the best of men’s and women’s artistic, rhythmic and trampoline gymnastics from the 21 eligible Pacific Rim nations. That includes traditional powerhouses the US, China, Japan and Russia (with new Oceania countries likely to be added prior to the 2020 event).
Gymnastics NZ chief executive Tony Compier said the Pacific Rim Championships was one of only three events on its international calendar that competed in all four Olympic sports under one roof. The other two events are the Olympics and the biennial World University Games.
“We are not taking these hosting rights lightly and are confident that together with our event partners, we will provide an international spectacle that NZ has not yet seen,” said Compier.
“The 2000 Championships that we hosted was a successful event. But now, two decades on, the sheer heightened calibre of international gymnastics together with digital advances will enable us to really provide a gymnastics showcase that NZ has not seen, and the world has not yet seen from NZ.”
Compier said the decision to hold the event in Tauranga and at Trustpower Baypark had been an easy one.
“There are very few stadia across the country that have the spatial parameters to effectively accommodate an event of this magnitude,” he said.
We’re delighted to be welcoming the Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships to Tauranga’s Trustpower Baypark Arena.
“We have formed a strong association with the City, Baypark and the local community, where the 2018 New Zealand Gymnastics Championship were held.”
Gillian Houser, business development manager, BayVenues / Baypark, said they were delighted that Gymnastics NZ had been successful in their bid to host the Pacific Rim Championships.
“We view our association as a working partnership and know that with the continued support and efforts of all parties it will be a tremendous success attracting national and international exposure for Gymnastics NZ and our destination,” she said.
Tauranga Mayor Greg Brownless said it was an honour that the city had been selected to host the international spectacle.
“We’re delighted to be welcoming the Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships to Tauranga’s Trustpower Baypark Arena. We are committed to hosting world class events and this will be an incredible opportunity for people to experience international athletes competing at the highest level.”
As has been the trend seen in other Olympic years, the event is expected to play a key role in identifying the leading athletes for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The 2016 Pacific Rim Championships saw several subsequent Rio Olympians take the floor, including world gymnastics phenomenon Simone Biles, alongside New Zealand’s own Olympians Dylan Schmidt and Courtney McGregor.
Schmidt is no stranger to the Pacific Rim Championships, having won bronze in 2016 in the lead-up to his Olympic debut in Rio. In 2012, he gained recognition on the world stage by winning gold in the junior division. Tauranga in 2020 will be Schmidt’s fifth Championships.
Schmidt commented that it was an Olympic year, so it was still hard to say exactly who would be there.
“But it’s generally a very high quality field,” he said.
“It’ll be nice to have some of the world’s best here in my home country, and not have to travel to a top event for once. I’m probably most excited for the opportunity to have friends and family come to watch.”
Upcoming Trustpower Baypark events
Join leading Clinical Nutritionist, Ben Warren, on his inspiring nationwide tour to start understanding the crucial role nutrition can play in supporting our anxiety and mood.
Attend “Be Pure” on 4 April at Trustpower Baypark Stadium lounge.
For the first time, Nashville Live is coming to New Zealand. Nashville Live will feature four of the top country music acts stepping up to perform alongside the live house band Complete with a Grand Old Opry announcer to reveal the hidden histories of country music, audiences can sing and dance to a mixture of classic solos, stellar duets and fantasy group harmonies. At Trustpower Baypark Arena, 5 April.
The NZ Tattoo and Art Extravaganza returns 13 & 14 April. Prepare yourself for the best international and local tattoo artists festival, indoor and outdoor zones, live entertainment, Wearable Art Show, Creative Village, caravan street art exhibition, bike stunts, live bands, ‘The Island’ – variety of food and drinks and more. Come join us and celebrate creativity & celebrate life!
Celebrating 20 years of building dreams in the Bay, the annual Tauranga Home Show takes place on 3-5 May. Now spread across the entire Arena as well as epic outdoor displays, the Tauranga Home Show will be bigger and more inspirational than ever before.
Speedway continues to attract the adrenaline junkies to the Stadium for action-packed meets as the season draws to an end. Remaining Speedway events are the North Island Midgets on 6 April, the Harry Fredrickston Stock Car Gold Cup & Super Stock Rumble 27 April. There will be a spectacular fireworks display following the closing night for the season on 4 May.
Imagine a full day, conveniently located, a one-stop-shop for everything you need for the most important day of your life? Experience the fun, the excitement and the glamour at the Bay of Plenty’s No.1 Wedding Show 26 May. Featuring more than 100 exhibitors with everything from gowns, jewellery, hair & make-up, photographers, venues & caterers, food trucks and so much more.
For more information on any events, enquiries for Baypark venues, BayStation activities or service on/off site from BayCateirng, BayAudioVisual visit www.trustpowerbaypark.co.nz, email events@bayvenues.co.nz or call 07 577 8560.
