Cameron McEvoy joins Commonwealth Games team as official ambassador

Australian swimmer Cam McEvoy has been appointed as the second official Ambassador for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) at a ceremony in Sydney today.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Gold Coast-born McEvoy, 22, was among a new generation of Australian swimmers looking to make their mark at GC2018.

“As one of Australia’s leading swimmers and a proud Queenslander, Cam is the perfect person to take GC2018, Queensland and Australia to the rest of the world,” the Premier said.

“It is exciting to have Cam join hurdles champion Sally Pearson OAM as an official GC2018 Ambassador to encourage athletes and spectators to embrace and experience the Games.”

McEvoy, who lives on the Gold Coast, is not only known for his swimming achievements but for balancing a Bachelor of Science at Griffith University with his swimming commitments.

“I’m excited to join the Gold Coast 2018 family and play my part in the promotion of this international event,” he said.

“To have the Commonwealth Games in my own backyard, the place I call home, will be a special time; it’s a great opportunity to share the experience with my family and friends.

“The Gold Coast is one of the best places in the world to live, train and compete.

“I can’t wait for the next wave of sporting stars from the Commonwealth to experience our Games, the Gold Coast and Australia.”

McEvoy is the second of a select group of high-profile figures who will assist the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) with promotion of the 2018 Games to Australia and the rest of the world.

The Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist joins hurdles champion Sally Pearson OAM as a welcome member of the GC2018 Ambassador family.

To mark the occasion, McEvoy was presented with a commemorative surfboard – an iconic keepsake of the Gold Coast lifestyle.

Also in attendance today were Commonwealth Games Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, GOLDOC Chairman Peter Beattie AC and CEO Mark Peters, and a large contingent of excited junior swimmers.

Mr Hinchliffe said McEvoy’s appointment as Ambassador marked another major milestone in the countdown to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“Cam is not only an incredible athlete, but he’s well-respected out of the pool and it’s fantastic we’ve recruited him as one of our Games ambassadors,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Cam will be a great addition to the GC2018 family.”

City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate welcomed “the Professor” as our second official GC2018 Games Ambassador.

"You couldn't get more Gold Coast than young Cam’ - vibrant, ambitious and determined...all attributes that have seen our city arrive on the world stage,” he said.

“I warmly welcome him to this role."

GOLDOC Chairman Peter Beattie AC said McEvoy and Pearson had extremely important roles to fill over the coming 575 days until the Games begin.

“They will be two of the bright faces of the largest event to be held in this country this decade and the part they will play in inviting the world to our shores cannot be underestimated,” he said.

“They both bring unique blends of sporting calibre, personality and humility to their ambassadorships and there is no doubt they will make the roles their own.

“It’s great to welcome Cam to the GC2018 family today.”

Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Premier’s office) 0417 263 791