The Gold Coast today celebrates the first of many milestones on the way to hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games, with exactly six years until the opening ceremony.
Past and present athletes marked the occasion with quiet celebrations at the Southport Aquatics Centre.
Queensland Minister for Tourism and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the LNP Government is committed to delivering a world-class Games in 2018.
“With six years until the Gold Coast opens its doors to the world, the clock is ticking and there’s a lot of work to do to prepare,” Ms Stuckey said
“This is a great opportunity to showcase Queensland and it will be a great boost for the state’s tourism.
“As the Minister for the Commonwealth Games, I look forward to working closely with Chairman Mark Stockwell and his team to ensure the event sees the Gold Coast, and Queensland, shine as a major tourism, sporting, events and business destination.”
Acting Gold Coast Mayor Daphne McDonald said the Southport Aquatics Centre was just one of many Games venues that would leave a lasting legacy for the city.
“What better place to mark the six year anniversary until the start of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games than at the aquatics centre – which will be the venue for the swimming in 2018,” said Cr McDonald.
“The Games are not just about 10 days of competition and the investment into new and upgraded community facilities such as the aquatics centre, will leave a great legacy for our community.
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Chairman Mark Stockwell said it was important to celebrate all Games milestones.
“It would certainly be easy to think that 2018 is a long way off. However, celebrating milestones is not just about marking the time till the opening ceremony, but about recognising the journey we are on and the significant work required that is already underway,” said Mr Stockwell.
“Not only is it another 2192 sleeps until the opening ceremony, but 2018 will also be the 21st Commonwealth Games – so it will not only be a coming of age for the Gold Coast but also the Games.”
Mr Stockwell said he was looking forward to working closely with the new government and Games Minister to deliver a unique and memorable event in 2018.
2011 Games Bid junior ambassador Eve Lutze said in six years she had no idea what she would be doing but certainly intended to be at the Opening Ceremony.
“After my involvement with the bid I would love to be at the Opening Ceremony – maybe I will be competing if I keep up my training but either way I will be there,” she said