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The 2005 Gravity Games H20, presented by Vodafone, is expected to draw the majority of the world’s top-ranked male and female competitors in Wakeboarding and Kiteboarding medal events. The Kiteboarding event also boasts international sanctioning with valuable competition points and rankings as part of the Kiteboard Pro World Tour (KPWT) World Cup. Action will be further intensified with all sports to be staged in one central location on Perth’s famous Swan River. Spectators will witness the dramatic scene of thrills, spills and red-hot competition from a vibrant Gravity village at McCallum Park, Victoria Park. The event will also feature the Gravity Soundwave concert series, featuring live performances by Australian and international acts. WA Minister for Tourism and Youth Mark McGowan welcomed the event back to Western Australia, saying Perth’s deal to host Gravity Games H20 for three years was a major coup for the State. "Last year’s Gravity Games in Perth was the first time the event had ever been held outside of the United States,â€? Mr McGowan said. “The significant worldwide television exposure for Western Australia, with our fantastic Swan River and city skyline as a backdrop, was invaluable, and I expect the coverage to be even bigger and better this year. “The event reinforces our State as a great destination for youth and adventure travellers in key international markets, and I congratulate EventsCorp for their work in securing this fantastic event for WA.â€? Presenting partner Vodafone was a major catalyst in securing the event for Western Australia, through its valuable sponsorship support. Darren Hayes, Vodafone State Manager WA, said Gravity Games H20 enabled Vodafone to demonstrate its commitment to action sports in Western Australia. “Our partnership with Gravity Games H20 brings to life what we live and breathe at Vodafone – bringing the community something different and fun,â€? Mr Hayes said. “Vodafone is thrilled to continue its support of Gravity Games H20, and we are looking forward to another exciting year of big action sports and international music acts.â€? According to Sean Nicholls, Managing Director of event organiser Octagon, the 2005 Gravity Games H20, presented by Vodafone, will attract tens of thousands of spectators in Perth and millions of television viewers worldwide. “Vision from the event will be distributed to national and international broadcasters throughout Europe, Asia, United Kingdom, North America, South America, Middle East, South Africa and Australia, and will be seen by more than 400 million people worldwide,â€? Mr Nicholls said. “Last year was an awesome start for Gravity in Australia. It drew fantastic crowds and some of the world’s best action sports athletes, who revelled in the conditions. This year, with a new medal event, more international athletes and an expanded entertainment program, we expect to set new benchmarks and deliver an action-packed four-day event.â€? The Gravity Games is the world’s premier action sports, music and lifestyle franchise, celebrating elite action sports athletes and fans, youth culture, individual style, music and passion. Internationally, 2005 marks the Gravity Games’ seventh year. The series is 100% owned by US Broadcaster Outdoor Life Network and is managed by Octagon. Gravity Games (Summer) is held in Cleveland, Ohio; Gravity Games (Winter) in Copper Mountain, USA; and now Gravity Games H20, presented by Vodafone, in Perth, Australia. In the US, Outdoor Life Network will televise between two and four hours of original 2005 Gravity Games H2O coverage, in addition to 20 hours of live footage captured at the Summer Gravity Games in Cleveland, Ohio in September 2005. Gravity Games H2O, presented by Vodafone, will be free to spectators. In addition to Vodafone as the presenting partner, EventsCorp is a major supporter of the event. Further information is available online at www.olntv.com/action_sports We felt like BMX was "shoved to the back" after reading this press release so we had to check on that before posting the message. Here's the answer we got: Hi Bart, Thanks for your response. BMX is certainly not “shoved to the backâ€? as you suggest. It’s one of four exhibition events in what is a high profile international event attracting television coverage around the world. The TV production crew come out from the US and the riders are all interviewed and profiled as part of the program. Last year the crowd response to BMX was amazing (around 13,000 people per day watching). As this is the water (H20) component of the international Gravity Games, the land-based sports are only demo events, not medal events .. but nevertheless they bring out highly-ranked riders to do their stuff, as part of showing the big picture of what ‘Gravity Games’ overall is about. I’m not yet sure which riders are booked to come out for it (should be confirmed closer to the date). If you like I can keep you posted with updates. Many thanks, Julie JEWELS PR This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. T (08) 9245 4588 F (08) 9245 4566 M 0401 325 800