Major events to return

Magic Millions, Masters Games a lock for 2021

THE Gold Coast will get a much-needed economic boost next year when the city stages two major events after the global coronavirus pandemic decimated this year’s calendar.

A special edition of the Pan Pacific Masters Games will be held on the Coast next November, following the cancellation of the games this year.

The Masters Games, usually held every two years, will then resume as normal in 2022.

The Magic Millions will also go ahead in January 2021, featuring the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Magic Millions Barrier Draw and beach run and Magic Millions Raceday.

But the Magic Millions Polo has been postponed until January 2022.

Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon said the Masters Games were rescheduled with the support of businesses and community sporting clubs.

“Events like this pump millions of dollars into our economy and support local jobs. They will be vital to our economic recovery in the longterm,” she said.

“Hosting the Games two years in a row will deliver more cash for local businesses at a time they need it most.”

In 2018, the Masters Games brought 37,500 visitors to the Coast, delivering 100,000 visitor nights and generating $24 million for the local economy.

Events Management Queensland chair Paul Donovan said the event’s leadership team had been weighing up options for its return since its May 2020 cancellation.

“We undertook thorough consultation with key stakeholders from government, sports organisations, tourism industry partners and event sponsors and it soon became clear that the Gold Coast couldn’t wait another two years for the Games,” he said.

Events Management Queensland CEO Cameron Hart acknowledged the support of the event’s major stakeholders in the decision to not wait for 2022.

Ms Scanlon said the 2021 edition of the Masters Games was one of several major events planned for the city next year. She mentioned the division one and two UniSport Nationals and World Bowls Championships.

Major Events Gold Coast CEO Jan McCormick said: “These events play a pivotal role in continuing to drive tourism and the economic growth of our city.”

Magic Millions managing director Barry Bowditch said: “Our vendors and buyers can rely on us to deliver an outstanding yearling sale, at the standard they have come to expect from Magic Millions.

“Their confidence in our ability to deliver is demonstrated in the demand from breeders to send their yearlings to Magic Millions in January. For the first time, the sale will run for seven consecutive days.”