The event will be held on Sunday, December 10 at the Goulburn Aquatic and Leisure Centre, with up to 100 competitors expected to take part.

Mayor Bob Kirk is excited to add another event to the ever-growing schedule of high quality sporting fixtures on Goulburn Mulwaree’s calendar.

“I am particularly excited to see the Special Olympics swimming added to our calendar. Running such an event in Goulburn will give prospective local athletes an opportunity to participate, and hopefully develop a long-term positive relationship with sport.”

“Special Olympics Australia is keen to establish a presence in Goulburn, and is looking forward to bringing City V Country and possibly other events to town.”

The event is expected to attract approximately 265 people to the region over the weekend, with an estimated economic benefit of $68,370 based on Tourism Research Australia’s average sports tourist spending figures.

Goulburn Swimming Club president Michael Craig said the club was looking forward to running the official side of the carnival, marshalling, starting, timing and recording as needed.

“We are really excited to be involved and help bring the event to the city,” he said.

“The club is expecting a pretty big year and early next year we are hoping to be hosting a regional swimming carnival too.”

City vs Country is the end of year event for all Special Olympics swim athletes, with the focus being on a friendly, fun environment.

A standard swimming program with divisions based on athlete’s ability will run throughout the day, before novelty events like surfboard races and tug of war.

Goulburn Mulwaree Council’s contribution for the event is $2500 plus GST with an expected return on investment for council being $27 dollars to $1 spent.