SHOOTING STARS GOING FOR GOLD
Mayor insists city is ready to shine
BOOMERS assistant coach CJ Bruton and team manager Junior Albert, with 12-year-old Izzy Rowan, can’t wait for the Commonwealth Games to get under way in Cairns. The Australian men’s basketball team will be among the stars fans can see at the Cairns Convention Centre.
RUMOURS that Esplanade cafes and restaurants are closed as the Commonwealth Games Festival 2018 gets under way are threatening the economic benefits the global event is touted to bring to the Far North.
Barnacle Bill’s owner Tony Basha said he has already fielded four phone calls from customers requesting to cancel their bookings over the next 12 days, mistakenly believing the seafood eatery would be closed.
“They think the whole area is closed and can’t access the Esplanade,” he said.
“But it is just one block of Esplanade which is closed between Aplin and Shields streets.
“Once people have got that concept in their head it’s hard to change. Panic has set in.”
But Mayor Bob Manning encouraged residents to turn out for the opening event tonight on the Esplanade and to take part in a special precinct developed to mark the Games.
“As an event city, Cairns has a really special role in these Commonwealth Games,” he said.
“But Festival 2018 also offers us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our city, our love of sport and entertainment, and our very talented local performers and artists.
“Plus, with the extended Es planade dining precinct that has been created especially for Festival 2018, you can enjoy a fantastic meal while still being part of the festival ….”
Australian basketball team Boomers assistant coach CJ Bruton said while the whole team had not arrived in Cairns yet, members were pumped for a great competition.
“Everyone is excited to be here and be not only representing the country but be taking part in the Commonwealth Games,” he said.
“It’s going to be really good competition. There are a few players who haven’t played in a few weeks so they will be ready.
“It is going to be a challenge – the Canadian team is strong and powerful and they’re all young and energetic.
“The Nigerian team is really experienced, that group has played a lot of basketball and the New Zealand team is basically made up of the Breakers, so lots of experience and very well coached.”
To kick off the Games, live music starts at 5.30pm tonight with local band Nightshift on the main stage.
A short official opening will then be followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 7pm.
The Cairns Esplanade Live Site will operate daily from 10am-10pm throughout the duration of the Commonwealth Games.
The full Festival 2018 program is at cairns.qld.gov.au