Runaway Bay Sports Centre to being swim coaching services

Future Gold Coast swimming champions are a step closer to achieving their dreams after the Bligh Government today announced the successful tenderer for swimming coaching services at the former Runaway Bay Sports Super Centre.

Education Minister Cameron Dick said BLUEfit Leisure, which operated Gold Coast City Council’s aquatic facilities, would begin learn-to-swim and intensive swimming coaching services at the Runaway Bay Sport and Leadership Excellence Centre from mid-March.

“Future Olympic and Commonwealth Games stars will get a real leg up from the coaching BLUEfit Leisure will be able to provide,” Mr Dick said.

Member for Broadwater and Parliamentary Secretary for the Commonwealth Games Peta-Kaye Croft said it was exciting news for the city’s emerging athletes.

“This centre, built in the late 1990s with $34 million in funding from Atlantic Philanthropies Trust, was originally used by elite athletes as a training venue for the Sydney Olympic Games,” Ms Croft said.

“It will now nurture Olympic and Commonwealth Games swimming stars of the future.

“Its range of swimming and other sporting programs will also support the Bligh Government’s bid to secure the Gold Coast as the venue for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“I have worked hard to re-establish a senior squad and Swimming Club at the Sports Centre.

“The facilities are world-class and having a swimming club based at the centre is important provision for young swimmers keen to progress to elite levels.

“I am pleased BLUEfit recognise having a senior squad at the centre is very important for local kids and their families.

“Swimmers will train in the centre’s 20 metre and 50 metre pools with access to other sporting facilities including a beach volleyball court, gym and tennis court.

“The centre’s high-quality swimming programs will help more local swimmers and athletes fulfill their sporting potential.

“Every hour spent in training will be important as swimmers prepare for success in the pool.”

Ms Croft said the Bligh Government owned centre would also operate a range of student leadership and learning camps for young people, similar to the highly successful Tallebudgera Camp School.

Media Contact: Minister for Education and Industrial Relations 3227 8121