Coolangatta to host Gold Coast 2018 Beach Volleyball competition

The sport secured a spot in the Gold Coast 2018 sports program after an historic agreement was signed in March this year between the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), the Queensland Government and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC).

Its staging in a temporary stadium at the city’s southern-most beachside location means that spectacular television images of the Gold Coast’s iconic coastline will be seen by some 1.5 billion people across the world over the course of the April 4-15 2018 event.

Minister Hinchliffe said:

The Gold Coast’s beautiful beaches will be a huge drawcard during the Games, but the Beach Volleyball at Coolangatta will take things to a whole new level for Gold Coasters and the thousands of visitors who will experience this iconic sport in such a beautiful part of the world.

After a city-wide scout, Coolangatta was chosen, in part for its capacity to accommodate the infrastructure needed to meet international federation guidelines.

The final preparations and precise location and associated logistics of a temporary stadium can now proceed in full consultation with the sport’s governing body, the Southern Gold Coast community and key Games Delivery Partners.

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chief Executive Officer, Mark Peters, said there had been great consideration given to the location for the Beach Volleyball competition. He confirmed:

There is a significant space requirement for this event and much more than meets the eye when it comes to technical delivery – right down to the consistency and grade of sand on the court.

Coolangatta is a great location for Beach Volleyball and with the magnificent beach and city skyline it is just another opportunity for the destination to be showcased all over the world.

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Vice President, Bruce Robertson, said as an additional sport on the sports program of the XXI Commonwealth Games, Beach Volleyball will engage more communities, athletes, partners and broadcasters. He added:

With the Gold Coast skyline as its backdrop, we’re certain the Beach Volleyball at GC2018 will be a spectacular showcase for the destination on the world sporting stage.

Volleyball Australia Chief Executive Officer, Mathieu Meriaux agreed:

We were absolutely delighted when Beach Volleyball was added to the GC2018 sport program and I am very confident the stands at the Coolangatta venue will be filled with fans from all over the Commonwealth.

And when there is a break in competition they will be taking great photos of the beautiful views and beaches to send to friends and family.

Australian Commonwealth Games Association (ACGA) Chief Executive Officer, Craig Phillips suggested the location at the southern end of the Gold Coast was ideal for the event’s debut adding it would also attract spectators from northern New South Wales.

Having just returned from the CGF Oceania Regional Meeting in Vanuatu, Mr Phillips also said the sentiment from the Pacific regions was one of genuine excitement at Beach Volleyball’s inclusion in the GC2018 sport program.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate welcomed the announcement:

What better way to showcase Beach Volleyball at our Games than stage it at one of the world’s most spectacular beaches.

Hosting the Beach Volleyball at Coolangatta will not only show off the beauty of the southern end of the city to the world, it will also provide a great boost for local businesses there.

Beach Volleyball at Coolangatta will be one of the jewels of our Games.

It is the first time Beach Volleyball will feature in a Commonwealth Games with the GC2018 sports program increasing from 17 to 18 sports – the largest sport program in the Games history.

GC2018 sports are Athletics, Aquatics (swimming and diving), Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Boxing, Cycling (road, mountain and track), Gymnastics, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby Sevens, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Weightlifting and Wrestling.

The fully-integrated GC2018 Para-Sport program comprising seven sports will also be the most extensive para-sport program on record for a Commonwealth Games.

The events will be staged across 18 competition venues with 14 sports on the Gold Coast, two in Brisbane (Shooting and Track Cycling) with preliminary basketball matches played in Cairns and Townsville.