Northam To Host World Ballooning Championships
Published on Monday, 9 September 2019 at 4:18:00 PM
Northam has been successful in its bid to host the 5th Women’s World Ballooning Championships in 2021.
The bid, compiled by Northam Ballooning Events Inc. and the Shire of Northam was jointly presented to the Committee Internationale D’Aerostation (CIA) of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) in Istanbul Turkey on 15th March 2019.
Local balloon identity Donna Tasker attended the meeting to present the bid, along with the Australian Ballooning Federation.
This will be the first time the championships have been held outside of Europe, and is seen as attracting large numbers of international and interstate visitors to the Avon Valley.
Shire of Northam President Chris Antonio said ”The Shire of Northam is excited to have the opportunity to hold such a significant event. It follows on from the recent successful Australian Ballooning Championships in 2015 and 2017 and we are looking forward to working together with Northam Ballooning Events on this event. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the Shire of Northam and the Avon Valley to the world.”
Shire CEO Jason Whiteaker said “It is hoped the event will attract up to 45 balloonists and support staff to Northam for 7-10 days over the duration of the championships, with many extending their stay in Western Australia either before or after the event. The shire sees this as having flow on effects and a boost to tourism and the economy in the region in both the short and long term”.
Gren Putland, Spokesperson for Northam Ballooning Events Inc. said
“Northam has an extensive history in ballooning. It is renowned as the launch site for numerous World and National ballooning records, including the successful flights by Steve Fossett and Fedor Konyukhov. Northam was also the host for the Australian Championships held in 1981, 1984 and in 2015 and 2017.
The event will attract the world’s best women balloon pilots, and supporters to Northam. As with previous events, the organisers will be working with local residents in planning and operational aspects of the event.”
Further details on exact dates for the championships are not yet available, but it is planned for August-September 2021.