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The 2008 International Lacrosse Federation Under 19 Men's World Lacrosse Championships received $35,000 from Hosting BC. Held every four years, the event attracted 276 athletes who came from 12 countries, including South Korea, Wales, Finland, Canada's Iroquois Nations as well as from BC. They played in front of 15,000 spectators with an estimated webcast audience of 1,200. The event was supported by 250 volunteers.
Youth tournaments played alongside the Championships allowed younger players to witness and be inspired by international competition. Direct economic and tourism benefits included 5,372 hotel room nights booked and increased revenue for local tourism and hospitality businesses. Webcasts showcased the facility and the area, with an expected increase in sport and other tourism. Officials and volunteers, including high school students, upgraded skills to international levels to form an experienced resource pool for future events. Monies raised at the event established a legacy fund for lacrosse sport development and equipment purchased was donated to the city for use at future lacrosse competitions.
