Maxibasketball: Christchurch to host world champs

Christchurch has been confirmed as the venue for the eighth world maxibasketball championships in January 2005.

More than 120 teams from 35 countries are expected to participate in the event.

Maxibasketball is for women over 30 and men over 35.

Organising committee chairman Neil Blanchfield said today the world event would pump $5 million into the Christchurch economy alone.

"This is a minimum figure as many of these players will take time to tour the country," Mr Blanchfield said.

Pioneer Stadium will be the venue for the event. Three world maxibasketball officials were in Christchurch today to sign a contract confirming the city as the 2005 host.

- NZPA