Thousands of spectators turn out for Swansea’s paratriathlon and IRONMAN

Saturday’s 2023 World Triathlon Para Series event – changed to a swim and run aquathlon event due to weather warnings – and Sunday’s IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea attracted thousands of athletes and spectators and significantly boosted the local economy, Swansea Council have said.

They were the culmination of a week of activity – including a Para Sport Festival – that inspired people to take part in and enjoy sport.

Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “We’re determined to give the people of this area a great programme of major events.

“They give local people brilliant things to see and do – and they boost the local economy.

“This truly was a big week of international sport and it shone a global spotlight on Swansea. It was topped off by the weekend’s two world-class events – and few people let the weather-related loss of Saturday’s cycling spoil their enjoyment.

“The weekend isn’t just a great spectacle but also an inspiration for thousands of youngsters who took part in sporting events around the city in the days before it, boosting their interest in sport and wellbeing.

“I thank all those who took part, arranged and supported the events – and all residents and businesses for their understanding as they made changes to their day-to-day lives.

“We appreciate that road closures cause some disruption to normal daily routines – but they’re important to make such events as safe as possible for all involved and local residents.

“We’ll continue to do all we can to attract top-class sporting events to Swansea on a regular basis to boost tourism and the visitor economy.”

British Triathlon CEO Andy Salmon said: “Despite the change in Saturday’s event format due to the weather, it was still a fantastic day celebrating all that makes paratriathlon great, from people giving it a go for the first time, up and coming paratriathletes and then the world’s best competing for crucial Paralympic Games qualification points.

“Of course, I am very proud of the hard work of the British Triathlon staff and volunteers, and incredibly grateful to our event partners without whom the event would not be possible and such an overwhelming success. 

“I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did, that it illustrated how sport can be inclusive of everyone, no matter their ability and that the event has inspired even more people to take part in swim, bike, run.”

Swansea Council say that last year’s inaugural big weekend of Swansea sport is estimated to have brought £2.5m to the local economy, with many accommodation providers doing strong business.

It added that many businesses were busy again this year.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)