WANGARATTA Sports Carnival 2023 received a massive boost over Christmas with two major sponsors allowing an increase in prizemoney to $3000 each for the men's and women's gifts.

Wangaratta council will be the major sponsor of the Women's Gift through its Community Sponsorship Program for the next three years while Optus Wangaratta will continue its sponsorship of the Men's Gift.

Wangaratta Sports Club president Paul Hughes said the support from the rural city and Optus were crucial in continuing the sporting tradition of the carnival and enhancing its reputation for attracting some of the best athletes in Australia.

"We are really pleased to have Optus Wangaratta through Wally Pasquali continue their support of the Men's Gift and the rural city for the Women's Gift, which has allowed us to lift the prizemoney of both gifts from $2500 to $3000 each," he said.

"The program this year is pretty much the same as last year but some of the events will have slightly earlier start times so we hope to finish by 10pm.

"It means the main gift races will be earlier to make them far more family friendly.

"This is our 102nd year and from the committee's point of view we are committed to keeping it going for the community, the athletes and for all those who have put in so much work over that time to stage it."

Mr Hughes welcomed the return of the woodchopping which he said always attracted top class competitors, and also the Little Aths events.

Acting Mayor Harry Bussell said the Rural City of Wangaratta was more than happy to support the carnival as part of its Community Sponsorship Program which awarded more than $230,000 to 15 recipients to enhance the social, cultural and environmental fabric of the municipality.

"The Wangaratta Sports Carnival is an important part of the Victorian Athletic League's calendar, and it has a long history in Wangaratta," Cr Bussell said.

"The carnival is important for athletes in their preparation for the Stawell Gift, it includes a number of handicapped running events as well as races for juniors.

"We are also happy to see equivalent prizemoney being offered to men and women at the Wangaratta Sports Carnival."

Cr Bussell was also excited to see the return of the woodchop.

"I'm thrilled to see it back at the carnival and I'm sure it will prove to be a great attraction – there is nothing better for generating carnival atmosphere than a woodchop," he said.

"Council sponsorship of the carnival assists in meeting the event's running costs.

"We understand there are around 220 participants registered and carnival organisers expect to see around 1000 people in attendance."

Mr Pasquali said the continuation of the sports carnival was a tribute to the community and the sports club committee.

"It's so important to support the event because of its history and its standing in the Victorian athletics calendar," he said.

"It's one of the critical lead–up events in the professional athletics circuit and the Stawell Gift.

"We want to see the community really support it and come down and watch some fantastic athletes showcase their skills.

"There is no doubt some of the athletes competing will feature at the Stawell Gift as well."

The 102nd Wangaratta Sports Carnival will be on Saturday, January 28 at Norm Minns Oval at the Wangaratta Showgrounds.