2018 Commonwealth Games-Gold Coast Makes Solid Progress

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) today concludes its second Coordination Commission meeting in relation to the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

This second review has been timed to follow on from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Debrief coordinated by the CGF last week here in Gold Coast. The Debrief enabled the experiences and recommendations from the Glasgow 2014 Games organisers to be passed on to the Gold Coast Organising Corporation (GOLDOC), City of Gold Coast and the Queensland and Australian governments.

Reporting on the arrangements for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, CGF Coordination Commission Chair, Mr Bruce Robertson (Canada) confirmed that impressive progress has been made over the last 12 months since the previous review meeting.

“The Coordination Commission is impressed with the venue and infrastructure developments. All is well in hand under the expert control of the State Government in partnership with the City of Gold Coast. We also recognise the recent funding commitment of the Federal Government. Highlights of recent achievements are the opening of the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre and the commencement of site works for the Parklands Development that will host the Games Village.

The legacy plans of all Games delivery partners are taking shape and the CGF is encouraging activation which will cause positive impact for the local community before, during and well after the Games.” said Mr Robertson.

The Organising Corporation is established and has moved forward with strategic planning in 7 key areas such as Security, Transport and Sport. They have recently had the benefit of a comprehensive observation programme the CGF operated in Scotland before and during Glasgow 2014.

“The next six months are critical. When the Coordination Commission meets again in May next year there will be a little under three years to Games time and we will be over half way through the preparation programme. It is now that the very detailed operational planning work must accelerate” said Mr Robertson.

Continuing Mr Robertson said “It is critical that plans are crafted to achieve Games time requirements and to deliver the best possible community impact and legacy. The CGF is committed to ensure the Games deliver real and tangible legacy for local communities and engage the Commonwealth across the globe.”

Mr Robertson also announced that the Coordination Commission has appointed George Black CBE, retiring Chief Executive for the Glasgow City Council. Having overseen City’s delivery of the highly successful Glasgow Commonwealth Games, George’s insight and experience will provide additional support for the CoCom and the Queensland Government and City of Gold Coast.

Seven Secures Commonwealth Games On Gold Coast In 2018

The strength of the Commonwealth Games movement has been underlined with the signing of a new Australian rights deal across all media platforms for 2018 Games in Gold Coast.

The Seven Network, Australia’s most-watched broadcast television platform, has entered into an agreement with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) that delivers the company all rights in Australia including free-to-air broadcast television and subscription television rights, online, mobile and social media, and radio, and expands to Seven’s digital platforms, including online and Hybrid Broadband Broadcast Television (HbbTV).

The deal, coming off the highly successful Games in Glasgow, was completed by retiring CEO, Mike Hooper, who is delighted to welcome Seven back to the movement for the first time since the Games in Manchester in 2002.

Mr Hooper said:

“The CGF is delighted to renew our relationship with Seven knowing it will ensure the widest possible coverage across the country when Australia again plays host to the Games on the Gold Coast in 2018.

“Seven’s commitment, coming off the success of Glasgow, illustrates the enduring appeal and bright future of the Commonwealth Games as we look ahead to 2018 on the Gold Coast and beyond.”

Gold Coast Organising Corporation Chairman, Nigel Chamier, believes the signing with Seven is a major boost to the 2018 event:

“Seven’s sports credentials are superb, and we look forward to them bringing their expertise and passion to our event on the Gold Coast.”

Seven has also recently procured the Australian rights to the 2016, 2018 and 2020 Olympic Games.

Commenting on securing the 2018 Gold Coast rights, Seven CEO Tim Worner said: “The Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast are expected to deliver significant audiences across Seven’s broadcast and digital platforms.

“The Commonwealth Games in 2018 provides our business an extraordinary opportunity to drive home our leadership as we broadcast the Australian Tennis Open, the Olympic Winter Games and the Commonwealth Games in the one year.”