The Special Olympics National Summer Games will provide a major boost to the Dunedin economy later this year, with the University of Otago expected to benefit by more than $1 million.
Organisers expect the November 27 to December 1 event - the largest regular sports event in New Zealand for people with intellectual disabilities - will be attended by about 4000 people from around the country, including more than 1300 athletes.
The university had budgeted for the event to give it a $1.17 million boost, with about 2000 athletes and support staff expected to stay in its residential colleges for the duration.
Accommodation services director James Lindsay said the extra income was welcomed by the university.
''We are pleased to be able to support a significant national sporting event that will also benefit to the wider Dunedin community,'' Mr Lindsay said.
It was able to provide accommodation for the event because it was being held after students left for the year, he said.
In order to cater for the athletes, the university would employ extra staff.
Special Olympics New Zealand marketing and communications co-ordinator Angela Day said the event would be a ''big deal'' for Dunedin.
Accommodation providers apart from the university would also benefit, with family members of those competing asked to find their own accommodation, Ms Day said.
''We try to keep the athletes separate from their families, just to sort of keep them focused on what they are there to do.''
Otago Chamber Commerce chief executive John Christie said any event of the size of the Special Olympics provided a ''significant'' boost to Dunedin businesses.
''It also brings a vibrancy to the city ... and I think we will turn on our usual hospitality and hopefully, those that come for that event will enjoy their time here,'' he said.
When it was announced Dunedin would be hosting the event in 2008, then mayor Peter Chin said it would bring an estimated $2.5 million to $3 million to the city.
