Coolangatta scores Commonwealth Games Beach Volleyball competition

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) will serve up spectacular shots of Queensland’s iconic surf and sand to global audiences, with Coolangatta’s beachfront unveiled as the venue for Beach Volleyball.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Commonwealth Games Minister Stirling Hinchliffe today announced Coolangatta will host the first Beach Volleyball competition in Commonwealth Games history, with a temporary stadium set to be built in Queen Elizabeth Park overlooking the city’s southern-most beach.

“The Gold Coast’s beautiful beaches are a huge Games drawcard and the decision to host the Beach Volleyball competition at Coolangatta will ensure the spotlight is on Queensland’s spectacular coastline,” the Premier said.

“Coolangatta Beach will be a stunning backdrop for spectators watching all the Beach Volleyball action and showcase Queensland’s beautiful beaches to a television audience of 1.5 billion people around the world.

“Building a temporary stadium in the park will ensure the view of the city’s skyline and Coolangatta’s surf will be centre stage when the Beach Volleyball competition kicks off.”

Minister Hinchliffe said Coolangatta was the perfect location for the Beach Volleyball competition.

“After a city-wide scout, Coolangatta was chosen for its capacity to accommodate the infrastructure needed to meet international federation guidelines,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The 2018 Commonwealth Games is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to promote Queensland to the world and it’s fitting that one of Queensland’s most iconic beaches will be the backdrop for one of the 18 competition venues.

“The final logistics to build a temporary stadium will now proceed in full consultation with the sport’s governing body, the Southern Gold Coast community and key Games Delivery Partners.”

City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate welcomed the announcement Coolangatta would host the GC2018 Beach Volley competition.

“What better way to showcase Beach Volleyball at our Games than stage it at one of the world’s most spectacular beaches,” Mr Tate said.

“Hosting the Beach Volleyball at Coolangatta will not only show off the beauty of the southern end of the city to the world, it will also provide a great boost for local businesses there.

“Beach Volleyball at Coolangatta will be one of the jewels of our Games.”

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chief Executive Officer Mark Peters said there had been great consideration given to the location for the Beach Volleyball competition.

“There is a significant space requirement for this event and much more than meets the eye when it comes to technical delivery – right down to the consistency and grade of sand on the court,” Mr Peters said.

“Coolangatta is a great location for Beach Volleyball and with the magnificent beach and city skyline it is just another opportunity for the destination to be showcased to the world during the Games.”

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Vice President, Bruce Robertson said as an additional sport on the sports program of the XXI Commonwealth Games Beach Volleyball will engage more communities, athletes, partners and broadcasters.

“Beach Volleyball at GC2018 will showcase the Gold Coast as a spectacular destination on the world sporting stage and attract more Volleyball fans to watch the 11 days of Commonwealth Games sporting competition,” Mr Robertson said.

Volleyball Australia Chief Executive Officer Mathieu Meriaux welcomed the announcement Coolangatta would host the Beach Volleyball competition.

“We were absolutely delighted when Beach Volleyball was added to the GC2018 sport program and I am very confident the stands at the Coolangatta venue will be filled with fans from all over the Commonwealth,” Mr Meriaux said.

“And when there is a break in competition they will be taking great photos of the beautiful views and beaches to send to friends and family.”

Australian Commonwealth Games Association (ACGA) Chief Executive Officer Craig Phillips said the location at the southern end of the Gold Coast was ideal for the event’s debut adding it would also attract spectators from northern New South Wales.

“I’ve just returned from the Commonwealth Games Federation Oceania Regional meeting in Vanuatu, and there is genuine excitement in the Pacific region about the inclusion of Beach Volleyball in the GC2018 sport program,” Mr Philips said.

“Coolangatta is a picturesque location and it will be a great drawcard to attract spectators to watch all the Beach Volleyball action come Games time.”

Beach Volleyball secured a spot in the Gold Coast 2018 sports program after an historic agreement was signed in March this year between the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), the Queensland Government and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC).

It is the first time Beach Volleyball will feature in a Commonwealth Games with the GC2018 sports program increasing from 17 to 18 sports – the largest sport program in the Games history.

The GC2018 sports are Athletics, Aquatics (swimming and diving), Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Boxing, Cycling (road, mountain and track), Gymnastics, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby Sevens, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Weightlifting, and Wrestling.

The fully-integrated GC2018 Para-Sport program comprising seven sports is the most extensive para-sport program on record for a Commonwealth Games.

All the sporting action for GC2018 will be staged across 18 competition venues with 14 sports on the Gold Coast, two in Brisbane (Shooting and Track Cycling) with preliminary basketball matches played in Cairns and Townsville.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kirby Anderson (Premier’s office) 0417 263 791

Jessica Hill (Minister’s office) 0475 950 772