Two very large events have just been added to Grafton’s July sporting and tourism calendar and will fall just before next year’s July Racing Carnival. Grafton will host the U13 Boys State Hockey Championships, an event that will take place over four days from July 7 to 10 and the Clarence Valley BMX Club will host Round 5 of the State Series at the BMX track in South Grafton on Sunday, July 10. The BMX club intends to host a couple of events at the track in the lead-up to make the most of the event. Clarence Valley Mayor, Richie Williamson, said that with an expected influx of close to 1800 people for the two events, it would be exciting times for the Clarence Valley. Clarence Valley Council is a sponsor of both events, and the expectation is a financial boost to the local economy of close to $2 million via visitor spend. Council’s sports tourism program is aimed at providing a boost to the local economy through attracting participation sports events with a high visitor ratio. Council has invested about $40,000 over the past two years by way of paying hosting fees. Clarence Valley BMX Club sponsorship coordinator, Jenny Marsh, said she was extremely happy about the upcoming State Series round. “We hosted a round of the State Series in 2013 and it was very successful; we’ve had quite a few people ask us if we would host another one it was so popular,” she said. “It’s going to be a great vibe in Grafton at that time, with the hockey on as well. “It will be busy accommodation wise, but the great thing about the Clarence Valley is there are plenty of places to stay in the Grafton hinterland, Maclean and Yamba. And we always have to travel at least 40 minutes when we compete at other cities, so it’s not unusual.” The BMX Club and Hockey NSW have been in contact with their respective competitor bases with information about where to find accommodation. A special page has been established at council’s tourism website www.myclarencevalley.com.au to help visiting competitors and their families. The Tourism Information Centre will help out as well.