Super League Triathlon is returning to Jersey after the government signed a five-year deal worth up to £1.25million to secure the rights to host it.
It’s part of a plan to position the island as a location for global sporting events, to boost the island’s profile and economy.
It follows the inaugural event in the island last September which was widely considered a success.
Economic Development Tourism, Sport and Culture Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham, said: “Last year’s event was a spectacular success and had a positive economic benefit for Jersey. I am really looking forward to welcoming Super League Triathlon back to Jersey and the plans for SLT Jersey 2018 are even more ambitious and promise to deliver a weekend of world class sport. Jersey provides a unique and beautiful location alongside an enthusiastic welcome and a digital infrastructure which means we can provide fantastic coverage of the event to the whole world. I look forward to working with Super League to grow and develop the event in the years ahead.”
In a Ministerial Decision signed this week, Senator Farnham agreed to award a grant of up to £250,000 per year for the five year agreement to secure the rights for Jersey to host the event from 2018 – 2022. This partnership, together with sponsorship commitments, will see Super League Triathlon become a mainstay event in the Jersey sporting calendar.
More than 10,000 spectators watched last year’s event on the waterfront with many more watching on TV around the world. The broadcasts were available in 147 countries.
Chief Executive Officer of Super League Triathlon, Michael Dhulst, said: “This partnership will drive global awareness and bring audiences from all over the globe to Jersey, bringing the British Channel Island to the forefront as a top destination for sports tourism and endurance sport events. We are delighted to be working with the Department for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Visit Jersey and Locate Jersey for the next five years so we can continue to bring our world-class, action-packed event to Jersey for everyone to enjoy.”
Visit Jersey Chief Executive Keith Beecham said: “It’s great that the Super League Triathlon will be returning to Jersey. Over 2,000 visitors came to Jersey in September 2017 to watch. We are confident even more people will be coming to SLT2018 staying in our hotels, eating in our restaurants, and experiencing #theislandbreak. Congratulations to all who made this possible.”
It’s been confirmed the Super League Triathlon will form the centrepiece of a new Jersey Sports and Entertainment Festival which will combine sports and entertainment events to engage the entire community.
