Free GC2018 events to give everyone chance to Share the Dream

Four high-profile Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) gold medal events will be on show and open to the public for free.

The Road Cycling, Cycling Time Trial, the Marathon and Race Walk will be beamed to a cumulative television audience of 1.5 billion people from some of the Gold Coast’s most picturesque locations.

Minister for the Commonwealth Games, Stirling Hinchliffe, said these events will give everyone the chance to Share the Dream by lining the streets and catching the exciting and fast-paced action of a world-class international sporting event without a cost.

“I want the TV images beaming out to the world to show off our two greatest assets – the natural beauty of the Gold Coast and the warmth of the people,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“These four free events will be great moments of athletic ability, but also of community fun and activity.

“I urge all Gold Coasters to see a touch of the Commonwealth Games right from their doorsteps.”

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chairman Peter Beattie AC said the road events will celebrate Queensland’s keen love of outdoor sport.

“These medal events are a big part of the largest program ever in Commonwealth Games history with 18 sports and seven para-sports,” Mr Beattie said.

“On top of the global television audience, these events offer an exceptional opportunity for spectators to showcase the Gold Coast and Queensland to the world through social media.

“Details of the routes are currently being planned, but we guarantee they will all offer great pictures, top class courses and a great chance for everyone to get up close to the athletes to cheer them on.

“Accessibility will be a major consideration in the planning, ensuring every single Gold Coaster and visitor to the city can be a part of the biggest sporting event in Australia this decade,” he said.

Dual Olympian and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games marathon gold medalist Michael Shelley said he hopes the streets will be lined with supporters.

"Having a close and enthusiastic crowd really helps you lift to perform at your highest level,” Shelley said.

"These events are fantastic because the whole community can get involved in the Commonwealth Games spirit as well as getting up close to the athletes.”

Australian Commonwealth Games Association (ACGA) CEO Craig Phillips agreed.

“The crowds on course really lift every athlete and I’d say to anyone that hasn’t witnessed a road event to get out and take advantage of the opportunity in 2018,” Mr Phillips said.

“It will be a great way to see sport at its best in a truly amazing city.”

GOLDOC CEO Mark Peters said the free sporting events and the GC2018 arts and culture program will provide great cost effective opportunities for everyone to enjoy every element of the Games celebration.

GOLDOC is developing the GC2018 arts and culture program in collaboration with the Queensland Government and the City of Gold Coast.

Details of the program will be announced in 2017.

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will be held from 4-15 April 2018.