SPORTS SHOT IN THE ARM

FIGURES revealing the half-billion-dollar annual input of sports to the Gold Coast economy show how vital events tourism has become.

Indeed sport has grown into a strong stand-alone industry, with the amazing success of existing events and a determined approach by the city to chase new competitions and conferences attracting a growing list and lending considerable weight to the claim the Gold Coast has become the sports events capital.

In a little over eight months the Commonwealth Games will begin. It is the biggest show in 2018 across all the nations of the Commonwealth and will throw a world spotlight on our tourism city.

But before then Gold Coasters will be able to watch Australia’s best athletes compete in national trials determining the makeup of the Australian athletics and swimming squads.

We recently reported how the Aquatic Centre at Southport would host the Games trials early in the New Year, and yesterday it was confirmed the Commonwealth Games stadium at Carrara will have an important test of its new athletics track and other facilities in February during the national athletics championships.

Gold Coasters have also learned how reigning golf Masters champion and world No 5 Sergio Garcia has signed up for the $1.5 million Australian PGA championships at Royal Pines starting on November 30.

Earlier this month the Gold Coast hosted its marathon – an event that attracts athletes of all levels and their families from across Australia and overseas. The marathon and major events like the Gold Coast 600 motor racing, Magic Millions, the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro world championship surfing, lifesaving, triathlon, national rugby league and AFL franchises, the golf and a host of other sporting competitions have turned the city into an important sports destination.

In fact, the Gold Coast has become the sporting hub. It might not host national football grand finals, but the city is recognised internationally. In its latest appraisal, London-based sports marketing intelligence provider Sportcal ranked our city 21st in a world list of 621 sporting destinations, well ahead of Sydney (70th) and Melbourne (95th).