Search for the GC2018 Mascot begins

The search is on for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Official Mascot.

Minister for the Commonwealth Games Kate Jones today launched a nation-wide competition to find the GC2018 mascot and invited all Australians to enter a hand-drawn design.

Minister Jones said the mascot will be the personality of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“The mascot will welcome 6,500 athletes and officials to the Gold Coast and thousands of international visitors,” Ms Jones said.

“We’re looking for a fun, energetic and friendly character that will inspire people from all over the world to come to the Gold Coast for the Games.

“The mascot will be sporty, adventurous and enjoy travelling all over the world to places like India, Canada, Jamaica and England to get people excited about GC2018.

“The mascot will be passionate about the Gold Coast and Australia, and will inspire people to get involved in the Games.

“The winning design will be developed into Games merchandise including toys and clothing so this really is an exciting opportunity for everyone.

“All Australians, from the youngest to the oldest, are invited to enter by drawing a character that will capture the imagination of the entire Commonwealth.

“The winner will receive four tickets to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, including flights and accommodation,” Ms Jones said.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the official mascot for GC2018 was an important part of capturing the spirit and identity of the event.

“Development of the mascot is not only a great opportunity to get involved in the Games, it’s also about bringing everyone on the journey,” said Cr Tate.

“A competition is a fun way to be creative and think outside the square.

“We need a mascot that’s truly unique, so I’m calling on everyone to get involved and submit their ideas,” he said.

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chairman Nigel Chamier OAM said the competition reaches out to every corner of the continent.

“The mascot search is the first time we’ve engaged the entire country in GC2018,” Mr Chamier said.

“Opening the competition up like this will guarantee that we get a mascot that will represent the Gold Coast, Queensland and Australia on the world stage in a truly unique way.

“The mascot must inspire, educate and entertain and there are 23 million people out there who can be a part of helping us unearth that character.

“We encourage everyone to put pen to paper – their creative inspiration could earn them an experience like 12 year old Glaswegian school girl, Beth Gilmour winning designer of Clyde the Thistle, the highly successful mascot for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games,” he said. 

To enter, visit www.gc2018.com/mascot, read the criteria and download the official entry form.

The competition ends at the close of business on Monday 27 July.

Media contact: Minister Jones’ Office 3719 7530