Commonwealth Games feature

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COMMONWEALTH

s e m a G

WELCOMING THE COMMONWEALTH TO THE SUNSHINE COAST IN 2018 The region will welcome Games teams who will train and stay on the Coast.

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ur great climate, welcoming community and premier sports training facilities ensure that the Sunshine Coast is the perfect place to prepare for the Games. The fact that the Sunshine Coast will host the largest number of athletes training in a region prior to the Games reinforces our Coast’s reputation as a destination of choice for high-performance sports training. More than 500 athletes and officials from nine countries will visit the Sunshine Coast and use our region to prepare for Commonwealth glory. Athletes have started arriving and will continue to set up home bases with their

officials and supporters until early April, as part of their structured preparations for the Games. Tourism, Sport and Major Events Portfolio councillor Jason O’Pray says the Sunshine Coast community will welcome the visiting athletes and officials with open arms. “This is a tremendous honour for the Sunshine Coast as we will host the largest number of teams visiting any Australian region outside of the Gold Coast during the Games period,” Cr O’Pray says. “Sporting associations from overseas put a lot of time and resources into choosing the best possible pre-Games location for their athletes, so for our

region to get the nod from a number of teams is a fantastic show of faith. “An intensive amount of ground work over a two-year period has gone into securing the hosting of the teams on the Sunshine Coast. “The comprehensive logistical challenge of meeting the needs of the teams has been ably managed by a small and dedicated team at council who are gearing up for the team’s arrivals.” Secretary general of the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association Tonia Lushington says the Sunshine Coast ticks all the boxes as a pre-Games destination. “Sunshine Coast Council has been very supportive by sourcing a wonderful selection of training facilities, local transportation support and accommodation options,” she says. “The Sunshine Coast is an ideal location for the Manx team to make their final preparations for the Games in 2018.” Team Scotland Chef de Mission Jon Doig OBE says the Sunshine Coast provides a great range of facilities and the ideal environment to ensure athletes will be well prepared for the Commonwealth Games, where the team will aim to have its most successful ever overseas Games. “The key to Scotland’s success has always been in our planning and preparation and the team camp has always played a vital part in developing our strong team ethos and ensuring everyone is in the best possible shape for the Games,” he says. “We have spent considerable time with all 18 sports, identifying the best possible location for their specific needs. “For the vast majority, the facilities and environment on the Sunshine Coast, and at Novotel Twin Waters in particular, will undoubtedly provide the ideal home away from home for the athletes as they adjust to the travel, climate, culture and the unique multi-sport environment of the Commonwealth Games.” Novotel Twin Waters Resort general manager Warwick Kahl says catering for the

WHO’S VISITING? These are the teams who will train on the Sunshine Coast Australia – rugby sevens and netball New Zealand – rugby sevens (men and women) Scotland – all sports Wales – athletics and swimming England – triathlon Isle of Man – athletics, shooting, badminton, triathlon and lawn bowls Saint Helena – badminton, shooting, swimming and athletics Niue – athletics, weightlifting Singapore – swimming. 32 My Weekly Preview | March 16, 2018

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needs of some of the world’s best athletes is an exciting prospect. “We’ll be providing athletes from Scotland with everything they need to be mentally and physically ready for the Games and we’ll be looking to create a local village feel for the athletes during their stay with us,” he says. Chef de Mission for Team Saint Helena Nick Stevens says he was immediately attracted to the Sunshine Coast for its first-class facilities and beautiful surrounds. “Most importantly we feel our team will be comfortable in this region and we

“It will be a great opportunity for our community to experience all the excitement of the Games” wish for our team and their families to feel relaxed and welcomed when they are not training,” Mr Stevens says. Sunshine Coast Grammar principal Maria Woods says her school is looking forward to welcoming the Saint Helena swimmers, who will train at their newly opened world-class swimming facilities. “It will also be a great opportunity for our community to engage and experience all of the excitement of the upcoming Commonwealth Games,’’ she says. “Many of our school community would not know about Saint Helena and we’re certainly looking forward to learning more about this country and their people.”

FAST FACTS Nine countries are training on the Sunshine Coast There are more than 500 visiting athletes, coaches and officials They will be training in 16 Commonwealth sports 17 community and private sporting venues will be used 18 schools are also involved 10 different sports will be promoted through five public events There will be an estimated economic benefit of $1.6 million to the region There are nearly 5000 bed nights from visiting teams alone 25 community groups will benefit from promotional opportunities.

myweeklypreview.com.au

12/03/2018 10:32:24 AM


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