Griffith University science student and Olympian Cameron McEvoy has been named ambassador for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Cameron, who won bronze at Rio in the men’s 4×100 relay, joins hurdles champion Sally Pearson as the second official ambassador for the Games.
The announcement was made by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at an official event in Sydney.
“As one of Australia’s leading swimmers and a proud Queenslander, Cam is the perfect person to take GC2018, Queensland and Australia to the rest of the world,” the Premier said.
Cameron, who is studying a Bachelor of Science Advanced with Honours (majoring in Applied Mathematics) at Griffith, described the ambassadorship as an honour, particularly with the Games being held on his home turf.
“To have the Commonwealth Games in my own backyard, the place I call home, will be a special time,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity to share the experience with my family and friends.
“The Gold Coast is one of the best places in the world to live, train and compete. I can’t wait for the next wave of sporting stars from the Commonwealth to experience our Games, the Gold Coast and Australia.”
As an ambassador, Cameron will assist the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) with promotion of the 2018 Games to Australia and the rest of the world.
Games countdown
Minister for the Commonwealth Games Stirling Hinchliffe said Cameron’s appointment marked a major milestone in the countdown to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
“Cam is not only an incredible athlete, but he’s well-respected out of the pool and it’s fantastic we’ve recruited him as one of our Games ambassadors,” he said. “Cam will be a great addition to the GC2018 family.”
City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate also welcomed ‘the Professor’ as the second official ambassador for the international sporting event.
“You couldn’t get more Gold Coast than young Cam’ – vibrant, ambitious and determined, all attributes that have seen our city arrive on the world stage. I warmly welcome him to this role.”
GOLDOC Chairman Peter Beattie AC said both Cameron and Sally had ‘extremely important roles to fill’ over the next 573 days.
“They will be two of the bright faces of the largest event to be held in this country this decade and the part they will play in inviting the world to our shores cannot be underestimated,” he said.
“They both bring unique blends of sporting calibre, personality and humility to their ambassadorships and there is no doubt they will make the roles their own.”