08 June 2011

Top international athletes from both sides of the Atlantic will come together in a head-to-head battle at the Great North CityGames on the Newcastle Gateshead Quayside on September 17th 2011.

Now in its third year, the unique CityGames event will play out one of the greatest rivalries in international sport; with the Aviva Great Britain & Northern Ireland team taking on their American counterparts over six disciplines including the pole vault, long jump, track sprints and road races, all the action will be televised live on BBC.

As in previous years, the Great North CityGames 2011 is a free event that offers spectators the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the biggest names in sport. The purpose-built running track will be created in front of The Sage Gateshead, set against the spectacular backdrop of the iconic Tyne Bridge and Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

Andy Graffin, special project manager at Nova International said, “After an enthralling Great North CityGames last year between England and Australia, we’re delighted to welcome team USA to take on the Aviva Great Britain and Northern Ireland team.

“The Great North CityGames is now established as a firm favourite on the summer athletics calendar. The fact that it takes place outside of a stadium and allows elite athletes to perform so close to the spectators means the atmosphere is unlike anything you would experience at a traditional competition. “

UK Athletics Chief Executive, Niels de Vos added; “British athletes will relish the opportunity to go head to head against the USA in this innovative Great CityGames event format.   

“The Great North CityGames will provide athletics fans with another opportunity to see Britain’s top athletes in action, up close and personal, after the Aviva GB and NI team’s return from the World Athletics Championships.”

USA Track & Field Interim CEO Mike McNees also commented, “USA Track & Field is very enthusiastic about the street games concept. Having two athletics powerhouses competing on the streets of NewcastleGateshead, where the public can watch all the action for free, is going to be a great way to end the season."

The event will feature many of the top athletes from each nation as they look to finish their season on a high following the IAAF World Championships in Daegu, Korea.

More information to follow later in the month, keep checking www.greatcitygames.org for updates.