Cairns Regional Council has approved more than $126,000 in grants in an attempt to grow events that will attract people to the region and provide entertainment and opportunities for residents.

Among the latest round of Major Events funding are three international sporting events that will bring quality competition to the Cairns region.

“The Oceanic Athletics Championships – to be hosted by Cairns Athletics Inc in June 2012 – will bring around 500 athletes and volunteers from 22 countries – plus family and other visitors – into the region,” Mayor Val Schier said.

“It will continue the momentum gained through Challenge Cairns at the start of June and really cement Cairns as a centre for major sporting events.”

Northern Beaches Judo Club Inc will further build on this reputation by hosting the 2012 Oceania Judo Union Championships.

“Both of these sporting events will be warm-up events for London Olympic Games, meaning we will have the very best athletes on show in Cairns,” Cr Schier said.

A further two events – Cairns Rugby Union Festival featuring a Super 15 pre-season trial match and the Chinese New Year Festival – have been allocated $15,000 each from the Major Events grants stream.