Press Release: Seventh heaven for Rugby following 2016 Olympic backing

Rugby sevens is set to become an Olympic sport and that could have huge benefits for Rugby Borough, the birthplace of the sport.
Rugby in Warwickshire is set to reap the rewards of extra interest generated in the town following the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to recommend rugby sevens for inclusion in the 2016 Olympics along with golf.
The IOC's executive board voted to include both sports at its Berlin executive board meeting and now all that remains is the formality of getting the recommendation rubber-stamped during a full meeting of the IOC congress in Copenhagen in October.
The sport beat off competition from squash, roller sports, baseball, softball and karate to be included.
The news follows hot on the heels of the announcements that the 2013 Rugby League and 2015 Rugby Union World Cups will be held in the UK, which is also expected to have a positive effect on tourism and the town’s economy.
Tom Clift, manager of the Coventry and Warwickshire 2012 Partnership, said the inclusion of rugby sevens as a sport for the 2016 Olympics was fantastic news for the region.
“It is fantastic that a sport which was born in the region has been voted onto the list of recognised Olympic sports,” he said.
“The benefits for Coventry and Warwickshire as a whole could be immeasurable and we are delighted with the IOC’s decision.”
Simon Leech, Rugby branch chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is all very exciting. We are already gearing up for the two Rugby World Cups in 2013 and 2015 and this latest news is another boost for the town.
“We are determined to make sure that the town benefits as much as it can from the added attention it will receive over the coming years.”
ENDS

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