Wednesday, 25 January, 2017 BRINGING THE STARS OF TRACK AND FIELD TO GEELONG The Andrews Labor Government is bringing world-renowned athletes to Geelong once again. Minister for Tourism and Major Events and Member for Lara John Eren announced today some of the best track and field stars on the planet would converge on the city in February, setting up base ahead of the second week of the Nitro Athletics spectacular. Last year we secured exclusive rights to the new and improved brand of athletics for Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium. The teams-based blockbuster will feature the fastest man ever to walk the earth, Usain Bolt. It’s a major event for Melbourne but Geelong won’t miss out. Team England and Team Japan will lap up the city’s top venues as they fine-tune for the main event. It’s a chance for budding athletes to witness the best of the best in their own backyard, including 2008 Olympic 2000m gold medallist, Christine Ohuruogu. The star athletes will train at state-of-the-art facilities at the Landy Park Athletics Centre, the Deakin Elite Sports Precinct, the Leisurelink Aquatic Centre and the Kardinia Park Aquatic Centre. It’s Geelong’s chance to shine before the eyes of the athletics world. Set over three action-packed nights at Lakeside Stadium, Nitro Athletics will feature Australia’s stars of track and field alongside the biggest names in athletics. Dual Olympic gold medallist Asafa Powell and ace American hurdler Kerron Clement will join a host of Australian stars including Fabrice Lapierre, Ryan Gregson and Genevieve LaCaze. Paralympic gold medallist Scott Reardon will also feature. But there’s no bigger name than Usain Bolt, the greatest athlete in a generation and with an air of charisma to match. The Jamaican shot to prominence at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, breaking world records in the 100m and 200m finals to claim gold, and then leading his country to glory in the 4x100m relay. He’s hardly put a foot wrong since. Nitro Athletics begins on February 4, continues February 9 and culminates with a final on February 11. Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events and Member for Lara John Eren “There’s nothing like watching the best of the best up close. Geelong is home to an army of fine young athletes, and this just might be the added inspiration they need to make it to the top of the world.” Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens “Geelong is home to some of Victoria’s top destinations for elite performance training. We can’t wait to welcome the world’s best to our city to fine tune ahead of the Nitro Athletics showstopper.” Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville “Welcoming Team Japan and Team England isn’t just about bringing the big names to Geelong, it’s a big boost to our visitor economy too.” Media Contact: Patrick Lane 0437 884 010 | [email protected] .