Red carpet for world’s sporting ‘powerhouses’

The Gold Coast will be on show to the world’s most influential sports administrators as SportAccord 2019 opens in the city.

Mayor Tom Tate joined Commonwealth Games Federation CEO David Grevemberg, and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee CEO Ian Reid, to welcome the accord to the coast.

“This is a truly unique event – around 1500 of the world’s most important decision makers in sport, right here on the Gold Coast,” said Mayor Tate.

“I applaud the State Government, Tourism Events Queensland (TEQ) and Council for making this happen. It is an incredible opportunity for us to show off the GC2018 facilities, share our learnings and roll out the red carpet to people who manage the largest sporting events on the planet.”

Mayor Tate said in typical Gold Coast fashion, the city was offering upbeat tours of the coast for some delegates, including participating in our active-and-healthy program.

“We want delegates to get out and about and have fun doing beachside boxing, boot camps and 5km run/walk events.

“This morning, delegates did a session with Coolangatta Gold legend Ali Day right here in Broadbeach. We want the delegates to experience ‘living like a local’ and finding out what makes the coast such an amazing, friendly destination,” he said.

“There is also a serious side where they can connect with businesses and hopefully, develop new international partnerships. The City will run a two-day program in conjunction with SportAccord.”

The two-day ‘extension program’ opened today at Sofitel Broadbeach.

CGF CEO David Grevemberg CBE said it was fantastic to be back on the coast.

“Having the privilege to host such a prestigious global summit is a testament to how the Games has supported the city’s position on the world sporting stage to attract a number of major national and international events. The coast has done a fantastic job on generating positive impact and benefits through their major events hosting strategy.”

CEO Ian Reid said the accord provided the Birmingham 2022 team with a valuable opportunity to connect with all of the international federations for the sports on the 2022 program.

“It’s also another excellent chance to meet with and learn from the previous hosts for the Games and discover more about what made Gold Coast 2018 a success,” he said.

SportAccord is the world sport and business summit dedicated to connecting international federations, rights holders, organising committees, media, businesses and other organisations involved in the development of sport. https://www.sportaccord.sport

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