Griffith University will be a major sponsor of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).
As “Official University Partner of Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games” Griffith staff and students will be closely involved in the build-up over the next three years and staging of the biggest sporting event in Australia this decade.
Griffith University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Ian O’Connor said the Commonwealth Games represented a watershed moment for the Gold Coast and it was appropriate for Griffith to be embedded in the event.
Griffith Vice Chancellor Prof Ian O’Connor, Griffith Chancellor Prof Henry Smerdon, The Honourable Kate Jones MP, Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games and Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation Chairman Nigel Chamier OAM celebrate the partnership.
Key aspects of the partnership include:
- Internships — 250 Griffith internships with the Games organising body, GOLDOC and its partners over the next three years across a variety of study areas
- Facilities — Campus facilities used in the lead up and during the Games
- Scholarships — Students from all Commonwealth nations, including Australia, eligible for the new Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Scholarships at Griffith University
- Creative Arts Partner — Griffith will contribute to the creative arts program running concurrently with GC2018, potentially including Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
- Team Australia — Official University Partner of 2018 Australian Commonwealth Games Team.
- Queen’s Baton Relay — Griffith campuses included in the Queen’s Baton Relay celebrations
Griffith has a history associated with the Commonwealth Games. Athletes at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane were accommodated at Griffith’s Nathan campus which was next door to QEII Stadium where the famous ‘winking kangaroo’ Opening Ceremony was held.
“We are pleased to announce this partnership and we are committed to ensuring the Games is a great success,” Professor O’Connor said.
Griffith student and elite athlete Cameron McEvoy with Griffith Alumni and Olympian Libby Trickett with her new baby.
Minister for the Commonwealth Games Kate Jones said the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games presented a unique opportunity for Griffith University students to get first-hand experience working on a major international event.
“The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will be the biggest event in Australia this decade and Griffith University students will have a front-row seat,” Ms Jones said.
Bachelor of Exercise Science student Louisa Marmion is looking forward to the opportunities GC2018 will bring.
“It means students from Griffith University have the opportunity to graduate with more than just a piece of paper but with the first line of their resume already completed.”
