While those from the Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour were unable to attend, plenty of up-and-coming athletes and their families made their way to Tamworth over the past two weekends.

The main carnival which includes rugby league, soccer, rugby union and netball occurred on July 10 and 11, although the gymnastics section of the event was held a week earlier.

Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) CEO James Cooper said it was a major win for the city, with millions likely to be have spent throughout the games.

"I think there was about 2500 travellers last time we ran it in 2019 and it was over $2 million of economic impact," he said.

"So I would anticipate that this is again in the millions as far as the impact it has had on the Tamworth economy, and will continue to have, and that's something that as an organisation we're proud of that we can do."

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Given the uncertainty around COVID-19, Mr Cooper said the effort that has been put into making sure the games went ahead was immense.

He praised local ground staff and sporting clubs who did all they could to accommodate the event.

"Without the support of the local sporting associations, the clubs and the many people in Tamworth who are passionate about sport, this doesn't happen," he said.

"There's organisations like Group 4 Rugby League, Northern Inland Football who move their entire competitions for us and pause for this weekend."

He also thanked Tamworth Regional Council, and said the ground staff's "appetite to make it work" was something NIAS would always be grateful for.

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