Surfers Paradise beach celebrations mark four years until the start of the Commonwealth Games
School children formed the number 4 on Surfers Paradise beach to mark four years until the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. Pic: Brendan Radke Source: GoldCoastBulletin
HOLIDAY makers were stopped in their tracks on Surfers Paradise beach this morning as a chopper hovered over the water and hundreds of school children swarmed onto the sand.
But rather than an emergency operation, the activity was staged to celebrate four years to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
To mark the event, students formed a figure four on the beach, which was captured by the many cameras there to cover the occasion.
The students, including Mia Joseph, from Southport State School, were more than willing to participate — particularly since it was the last day of school before Easter holidays.
“It is really exciting,” said Mia.
“I am really looking forward to the Games.”
Commonwealth Games Minister Jann Stuckey stood near the countdown clock, which showed 4 years to go, to speak to the media about the milestone.
“The Commonwealth Games will be a memorable, life-changing landmark,” she said.
“There is a rising tide of excitement about it.”
Ms Stuckey also highlighted that planning for the event in 2018 was well advanced, despite the fact that construction work was only underway for one venue — the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre in Southport.
“Great progress has been made,” she said.
Commonwealth Games Premier’s luncheon Gold Coast. Source: Supplied
Meanwhile the who’s who of the Gold Coast business community are at the 2014 Commonwealth Games Premier’s Lunch at Jupiter’s Casino this afternoon to celebrate four years until the Gold Coast games kick off.
Attendees include Premier Campbell Newman, MP’s Jann Stuckey and Michael Hart, Gold Coast Airport boss Paul Donovan, event promoter Tony Cochrane along with athletes Emma Snowsill, Nikki Hudson, Laura Geitz, Andrew Baildon and Sara Carrigan.
Premier Newman will address the luncheon shortly.
