North Otago Rugby Union chief executive Colin Jackson is "absolutely rapt" with the announcement of a $92,000 grant towards hosting the Golden Oldies Rugby Festival in Oamaru next year.
The grant was made by the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board.
The board received 482 applications for money to be distributed from the New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund.
The applications covered 570 proposed events and activities during the Rugby World Cup.
The Golden Oldies festival will be held from September 30 to October 2, with more than 40 teams from all over the world expected to participate.
When contacted yesterday, Jackson said the funding was "fantastic" and a reflection that the board thought North Otago had some good ideas and the potential events planned during the festival were a "winner".
A committee had been working hard organising the festival for more than a year, Jackson said.
Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean was also delighted with the funding announcement, saying it was "great news for the entire district".
The festival would fully involve, as well as cater for, both visitors and the community.
There would be opportunities for accommodation operators, retailers, community groups, clubs and individuals, Mrs Dean said.
The total amount requested from the fund was $76.8 million but the committee only had $9.48 million available for distribution.
It was distributed to 165 applications covering 195 events and activities.
