Mark Pawsey, MP for Rugby and Bulkington last week spoke in the House of Commons on the opportunities for communities arising from major sporting events. With the Rugby World Cup 2015 being hosted in the United Kingdom, Rugby has been granted the honour of “proud home town” status to honour its role as birthplace of the game. Mark raised this issue with the Rt. Hon. William Hauge MP, who is Leader of the House.
Mark said:
“Rugby as a town is unique in that it has given its name to a major sporting event. With the Rugby World Cup returning to Britain later on this year, we have an opportunity to ensure that our town benefits from the opportunity this represents. It is important that communities use major events, such as international sport to drive tourism and investment to improve them.”
The Minister, the Rt. Hon. William Hauge MP said in reply:
“My hon. Friend’s constituency, with its unique link to the tournament as the birthplace of the sport, will have an excellent opportunity to benefit, especially as it has been given host status. I know that my hon. Friend will continue to champion the town of Rugby where visitors to the world cup will be able to discover more about the place and where it all began way back in 1823 when William Webb Ellis picked up the ball and ran. The Rugby World Cup will have a huge positive impact on this country.”
Mark concluded:
“Rugby Borough Council has provided the support needed to ensure that there is a great opportunity for people in Rugby to benefit from this fantastic event, both as enthusiasts of the game and as a wider community. Major international events, such as the Rugby World Cup, provide once in a generation chances for investment, tourism and growth. We saw this with London 2012, and I am sure we will see this again later this year when our own community will receive the benefit.”