Crowne Plaza Adelaide is getting set to host some of the world’s best athletes when the Adelaide Track Classic hits town on Saturday.

The new partnership has seen Crowne Plaza Adelaide named the Official Hotel of the Adelaide Track Classic and Athletics SA, providing Athletics SA the largest level of support that the organisation has received in its 106 year history.

Being held in Adelaide for the first time in seven years, the Adelaide Track Classic is the opening event of the Qantas Australian Athletics Tour.

The event will see Australian athletes including world champion Sally Pearson, vying for selection in the Olympic Games to be held in London later this year.

GM, Brendon Meppem says Crowne Plaza Adelaide is proud to support the Adelaide Track Classic.

“We’re pleased to partner with Athletics SA to support the Adelaide Track Classic, a key event on the Qantas Australian Athletics Tour. The sponsorship of Athletics SA is a great fit for Crowne Plaza Adelaide. Major events, including sports and tourism events, are a key area of focus for the hotel,” he says.

“In less than two years of operation in Adelaide, we’ve developed a strong reputation for hosting elite sportspeople having secured accommodation contracts with the AFL, Hyundai A-League and the Trans Tasman Netball League.”

“We’re looking forward to hosting Australia’s track and field heroes at Crowne Plaza Adelaide as they strive for Olympic qualification in the road to London 2012.”

More than 100 athletes, coaches and staff will converge on the Crowne Plaza Adelaide for the Adelaide Track Classic.

The event will also provide an opportunity for local Athletics SA athletes to experience top level competition on their home track, including rising junior star Jacob Cocks, Olympic hopeful, Jessica Trengove, Australian Decathlon champion Jarrod Sims, Australian Heptathlon Champion Lauren Foote, 400m national finalist Rosie Kelly, and former national 100m and 200m medallist, Alicia Wrench-Doody.

Athletics SA Executive Director Adam Bishop said that the organisation was appreciative of Crowne Plaza Adelaide’s support.

“We’re sincerely grateful of Crowne Plaza Adelaide’s sponsorship of Athletics SA and the Adelaide Track Classic. The level of support they are providing for the Adelaide Track Classic is unparalleled in the history of our organisation and we look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship,” Adam says.

“We know that the athletes competing in the Adelaide Track Classic will be very well looked after at Crowne Plaza Adelaide, allowing them to perform at their best.”

Following the Adelaide Track Classic, the hotel will be gearing up for a festival atmosphere as the Official Hotel of the 2012 Adelaide Fringe from 24 February – 18 March.
 

Updated 24 Jan 2012