That was the plan behind Orange’s multi-sports facility, Sir Neville Howse Stadium.

And yesterday, the facility secured arguably its biggest event since being opened in July 2009 after Gymnastics NSW announced the 2012 NSW Country Championships will be held in the Colour City.

Over 1000 gymnasts and between 300-400 officials will converge on Orange for the four-day event next July.

“It’s a way to say thank you to our regional communities, who consistently show great dedication to the sport despite often having to travel long distances to get to events,” Gymnastics NSW sports, marketing and events manager Nicholas Carroll said.

“We’re looking forward to the opportunity to interact with the local community.”

Sir Neville Howse Stadium has previously hosted the NSW State Cup volleyball series, Central West State League netball finals and Western Junior League basketball rounds.

But in terms of participation, they are set to be dwarfed by next year’s gymnastics championships.

It is the first time the event will be staged in the Central West and, in a boost for the Orange economy, hosting rights traditionally run for three years.

Orange City Council mayor John Davis is delighted the event has been awarded to Orange.

“Gymnastics is one of the fastest growing sports in Orange. We look forward to having gymnasts and their families from all across the state here in Orange next year,” he said.

“I’m very excited on behalf of the community. It shows this facility can be used for many, many sports.”

In an impressive launch, Naazmi Johnston, who won three gold medals and two silvers at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, and NSW’s World Cup Champion and dual Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Prashanth Sellathurai, were on hand to sign autographs and show their skills to members from Central West Gymnastics and school children from Bowen Public School and St Mary’s Primary School.

The 2012 Gymnastics NSW Country Championships will be held from Thursday, July 12 to Sunday, July 15.