Cairns joins Commonwealth Games team

Cairns is officially an event city for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games after a formal agreement was signed today.

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones and Cairns Mayor Bob Manning signed the Statement of Principles which formally outlines the city’s responsibilities in delivering events and activities associated with GC2018.

Ms Jones said the Cairns Regional Council would work in partnership with the Queensland Government, and GOLDOC – the Games organisers – to deliver a world-class event.

“It is great to have Cairns officially on the GC2018 team,” she said.

“As host of Commonwealth Games basketball heats, Cairns will be front and centre when the action starts in April 2018,” she said.

“The city will also roll-out arts and cultural activities during the Games.

“Cairns is perfectly placed to leverage the excitement the Commonwealth Games will bring to Queensland.”

Ms Jones presented Mayor Manning with Cairns’ official event city flag and met members of the local Embracing 2018 Cairns Regional Working Group.

“This group will play an important role in ensuring the Games are a great success and that they deliver lasting benefits for Cairns and Far North Queensland,” she said.

“Cairns has a great opportunity to leverage this major event for tourism, sporting, culture and legacy benefits.”

Mayor of Cairns Bob Manning said visitors to Cairns for the 2018 Commonwealth Games could expect world class competition in an amazing location.

“Cairns is a perfect choice as an Event City for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games,” Mr Manning said.

“We embrace our sport and our internationally-renowned attractions and hospitality combine with quality sporting infrastructure to make Cairns an ideal sporting event location.

“Our Council has strongly supported our city’s national basketball team, the Taipans, who are owned by the community – so the excitement of hosting GC2018 basketball heats is understandable.

“I have no doubt our visiting competitors, officials and supporters will leave with wonderful memories of their time in Cairns. Our Council is proud of the role we play in hosting great events and the Commonwealth Games is almost as big as it gets, and will strengthen our reputation within the sports tourism market.”

For further information on the GC2018 visit http://aheadofthegames.embracing2018.com/

Media contact: Minister Jones’ Office 3719 7530