Basketball program to be a Commonwealth Games highlight for the state’s far north

Commonwealth Games basketball to be held in Cairns will provide a “fantastic assist” to the sport in the region, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said today (Wednesday).

Mr Crawford – the Member for Barron River – said some of the Commonwealth’s best basketball players will appear during the Games at the Cairns Convention Centre.

“As host of Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games basketball preliminaries, Cairns will be front and centre when the action starts tomorrow,” Mr Crawford said.

“Cairns will have an important part to play in making these Games a success. Basketball is fervently supported in the Cairns community – particularly the local NBL team the Cairns Taipans.

“We won’t only be showcasing the amazing sporting action that will be taking place in Cairns though, as we will also be shining a global spotlight on the amazing culture, and the natural beauty of the region.”

Fans will be able to attend the tournament’s preliminary rounds (men's and women's) in Cairns between April 5-9, and Qualifying Finals (men's and women's) on April 10.

Semi-finals and medal games will be held on the Gold Coast between April 13-15.

Mr Crawford said he would be hosting local dignitaries on behalf of the Palaszczuk Government during matches in Cairns on April 5 and 6.

“I will be hosting representatives from the local Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people, as well as local government, business and community stakeholders,” Mr Crawford said.

“Tomorrow’s matches include Jamaica v India (women) and New Zealand v Malaysia (women), while Friday will feature Australia v Canada (men) and Nigeria v New Zealand (men).

“The Boomers (Australian men) are strong gold medal favourites, with New Zealand and Canada also expected to challenge – meaning three of the tournament’s best teams will appear in Cairns.”

Mr Crawford said the GC2018 basketball program will represent the final major events Cairns Convention Centre will host in its current form.

“For over a decade, Cairns Convention Centre – which has a seating capacity of about 5000 - has been home to the Cairns Taipans, who have labelled their home court The Snakepit,” he said.

“Following the Games, it will undergo a $176 million expansion which will have major economic benefits for the region.”

ENDS

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