Johnny Mac just forwarded me this. I think this is awesome! Though I'm a QLDer so it means reduced transport costs and that clubs like UQ will potentially be able to send more teams - I'd love to hear what other states and unis think.
Queensland hits Uni Games for Four
GOLD COAST: Following the record-breaking success of the 2007 Games on
the Gold Coast, Queensland will host the Australian University Games on
four more occasions between now and 2015.
Premier Anna Bligh today announced that the Queensland Government,
through Queensland Events, has secured a long-term partnership with
Australian University Sport to stage the Australian University Games on
the Gold Coast every second year from 2009 until 2015. In alternate
years the Games will travel to other Australian cities.
"Queensland has proven itself as a great location for the Australian
University Games. The 2005 Games in Brisbane and the 2007 Games on the
Gold Coast both broke records for participation," said Premier Bligh.
"Like so many other event organisers, Australian University Sport has
seen the value of bringing the Games to Queensland on a regular basis,"
said Ms Bligh.
Over 6,500 student athletes participated in both recent events held in
Queensland. The Games attract a loyal following of students interested
in competitive sport, whilst meeting new friends. The Games are
complemented by an action-packed, week-long social program.
"Queensland is a great destination for great events. This long-term
partnership with the Australian University Games is a testament to the
importance that events play in Queensland.
"The Gold Coast is an ideal location for students to come to participate
in an event like the Australian University Games - the climate, a range
of accommodation options, a vast array of tourism activities, the
night-life, the excitement and, of course, some of the best sporting
facilities around.
"I look forward to welcoming students from across Australia to the Gold
Coast in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015," said Ms Bligh.
Jeff Fitzgerald, Australian University Sport's President, identified
today's announcement as a very welcome development in the history of the
Games.
"The Games is already one of Australia's largest multi-sport annual
events," he said.
"The partnership we have just entered into with the State Government,
Queensland Events and other key stakeholders puts us in a great position
to further develop and enhance them significantly."
"University students enthusiastically look forward to this annual event
and see Queensland's Gold Coast as a truly wonderful host City - as
evidenced by the record participation in the 2007 Australian University
Games event," he said.
