Australian Commonwealth Games Association President, Sam  Coffa claimed that there had been considerable research go into developing the model considering facility design and use options and planning that would maximise use and legacy opportunities' post the Games.

The Gold Coast are currently locked in a close battle with Hambantota to host the Games, with the Sri Lankan city claiming that if they  it would stage the event it would provide a much more lasting legacy than if they were awarded to the Australia and would also encourage other less well-known cities around the Commonwealth to bid. 

"History shows us that host cities should be wary of the financial commitment required to host the Games and the legacy should be built on the positive contribution the event makes to the aspirations of the city," said Coffa.

"Gold Coast City's ' Regional City Model'  will provide a blueprint for a successful Games in terms of its cost effectiveness and the commitment to not create a white elephant facilities scenario  when the event is over and done.

"This   Model is unique - it incorporates technical education, volunteer, security and transport planning and encompasses the transfer of learning experiences for future Commonwealth and Commonwealth Youth Games bid cities."

Coffa said community involvement and sports and cultural development opportunities were addressed as part of the development.

"The CGF (Commonwealth Games Federation) Evaluation Commission gave the Gold Coast City's bid a positive 'low risk' assessment and acknowledged that the opportunity to develop a transferable regional Games hosting model is an important strategic development for the Commonwealth Games," said Coffa. 

The CGF will decide at its General Assembly in St Kitts and Nevis on November 11 which city will host the 2018 event.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
October 2011: Final group of Commonwealth Games voting delegates complete visit of Gold Coast
October 2011: Exclusive - Gold Coast and Hambantota would both stage great Commonwealth Games claims Fennell
October 2011: Legacy benefits to Gold Coast of 2018 Commonwealth Games will be huge, says city's Mayor
October 2011: Oceania to vote en masse in support of Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games bid
October 2011: Gold Coast 2018 prepare for final test before host city chosen