Olympics delivered Penrith to the world

Penrith still reaping the benefits of world-class Olympic venues. 

This month marks the 20th Anniversary of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. 

Penrith was privileged to host rowing and whitewater events and these two world class venues continue to be a legacy for Penrith, The Sydney International Regatta Centre and Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

Penrith Whitewater Stadium was the competition venue for the canoe/kayak slalom events during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. It is still the only man-made river of its kind in the southern hemisphere and attracts elite athletes as well as adventurers to test their skills

The Sydney International Regatta Centre was purpose-built for the 2000 Sydney Olympics and Paralympics. It is one of the best rowing and sprint kayak courses in the world and sprawls over 178 hectares. 

Both venues received an unprecedented amount of international exposure during the Games period and this has helped to establish the facilities as major sporting and recreation facilities in Western Sydney. 

And it wasn’t just the Games themselves, one Penrith business had a role to play in the Torch Relay. Avida, (previously known as Winnebago) located in Emu Plains, won the contract to exclusively design the torch relay vehicles. Avida is a family owned business and has been operating since 1965, employs 200 people and are specialists in advanced manufacturing of caravans and motorhomes building some 700 campervans, motorhomes and caravans each year. After their Games success, Avida moved into their 10-acre headquarters in Emu Plains to service their growing business which includes export their products  to New Zealand, Japan and even Mongolia. 

Penrith continues to benefit from our Olympic venues. The Regatta Centre and the Whitewater Stadium continue to attract national and international competitions as well as major events which helps boost our tourism sector and the local economy.