SPORTS: CWG,A major ECONOMIC BOOST to Gold Coast
By Nick Mulvenney
Australia has hailed the decision to award the 2018 Commonwealth Games to the Gold Coast as a major economic boost to the subtropical beachside region of Queensland. Favourites to win the vote to host the 21st Games for mostly former British colonies, the bid delivered recently with a 43-27 victory over the Sri Lankan city of Hambantota. The decision by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) general assembly in St Kitts and Nevis ensured the Gold Coast would follow Sydney in 1938, Perth (1962), Brisbane (1982) and Melbourne (2006) as the fifth Australian hosts of the Games. ''It was a collective effort and one that Gold Coasters, Queenslanders and all Australians should be very proud of,” bid chairman Mark Stockwell said in a news release.
“The Games will put the spotlight on the Gold Coast, and whilst we don't want to lose our 'famous for fun’ character, we do need to reinforce our capabilities as a serious business community with strengths across a number of diverse industries.” Queensland state Premier Anna Bligh said winning the bid could be worth up to $2 billion in economic benefits to the area and see as many as 30,000 full time jobs created over the next decade. “These Games will bring superb tourism opportunities for the Gold Coast and for Queensland,” she said.
“The Games will also act as a catalyst to fast track infrastructure development. ''We have made a promise to the Commonwealth Games Federation and will deliver on this promise.'' Hosting the Games will also be a boost to Australian athletes, albeit an unnecessary one for a country that has long dominated the medals table at the Games. “Australia will ... be looking forward to a home advantage and repeating its most successful Games performance in the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games where we won a record 221 medals,” said Sports Minister Mark Arbib.
Stockwell, well aware of the public relations disaster that blighted the run-up to last year's Games in Delhi, said winning the right to host the Games was just the start of the effort. “A lot of very hard work went into the bid but it doesn't stop there — we need to put the same amount of energy and passion in to prepare and deliver the very best event the Commonwealth has ever known,'' he said. “Congratulations Gold Coast - let the Games preparations begin.”
Source:Reuters
