Canadian swimmers to train at Gold Coast schools for GC2018

Published Wednesday, 26 April, 2017 at 06:45 PM

Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

Two Gold Coast schools have been chosen as a training base by the Swimming Canada team ahead of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).

Minister for Education and the Commonwealth Games Kate Jones said Somerset College at Mudgeeraba and All Saints Anglican School in Merrimac would welcome Canadian swimmers to their facilities early next year.

“Swimming Canada is the first team to confirm their plans to complete pre-Games training on the Gold Coast and I’m delighted they’ll be training at two local schools,” Ms Jones said.

“The team’s decision to be based here is testament to the world-class venues we have on the Gold Coast and a huge vote of confidence in our school facilities.

“The additional economic and tourism benefits associated with pre-Games training camps are also a prime example of the legacy which the Games are creating.”

Ms Jones said Swimming Canada would be based at Royal Pines Resort in Benowa for the duration of the training camp.

“The very best and most beautiful aspects of the Gold Coast will be enjoyed by our athletes, officials and spectators before, during and after our Games,” she said.

“The Games are an incredible opportunity for us to showcase our wonderful state to the world and will undoubtedly help cement the Gold Coast’s position as a premier tourism destination.”

Swimming Canada is scheduled to arrive in Australia on 22 March 2018, with training to continue through to March 31, before the team officially moves into the Commonwealth Games Village.

Swimming Canada High Performance Director John Atkinson said the Gold Coast would be a great environment for the team to host its final preparation for the Commonwealth Games.

“We’re delighted to work with Somerset College and All Saints Anglican School. The support of their staff has been tremendous and we know we’ll have a home away from home when we come here in 2018,” Mr Atkinson said.

Swimming Canada President and six-time Commonwealth Games medallist Cheryl Gibson said a critical component of Swimming Canada’s preparation for competing at the 2018 Commonwealth Games was the training camp leading into the event.

“We have been most fortunate to have been able to secure the facilities of two schools on the Gold Coast where our swimmers can acclimatise to the environment and carry out their final preparations for competition,” Ms Gibson said.

“We look forward to our time in Benowa and to the world-renowned Australian hospitality.”

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will run from 4 - 15 April 2018. For more information on the Games visit www.gc2018.com.

Media contact: Minister Jones’ office – Emma Clarey: 0437 069 516