School Sport Australia, in partnership with the Queensland Government, announces the launch of the School Sport Australia Games. The inaugural event will bring more than 4,000 participants and spectators to the Gold Coast from 27 July to 3 August 2024 to compete in six sports: Australian football, basketball, hockey, netball, softball and swimming.

The aim is to provide more opportunities for students to participate in competitive sport. This inaugural event will see teams from every state and territory compete over five days. The competitions are aimed at young people between the ages of 10 and 19.

It is clear that there will be a synergy between sport and tourism as the young people will be accompanied by friends and family to the Gold Coast and the event will attract large numbers of people.

Minister for Sport Michael Healy said: "Hosting the inaugural School Sport Australia Games in a multi-sport format here on the Gold Coast will be a fantastic experience for young athletes across the country.

"The School Sport Australia Games will showcase some of the country's most talented young athletes in an atmosphere of learning and friendship. It simulates an international event and provides cultural and social benefits. It's also a lot of fun and some great memories," he added.

The event launch was held at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre. It was attended by Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn and School Sport Australia Chief Executive Phil Reeves. Mr Reeves said the event would be a highlight for students and parents. 

"School Sport Australia is delighted to announce the launch of the first School Sport Australia Games, delivered by UniSport Australia, on the Gold Coast. This is a significant milestone in the representative school sport landscape and we are hosting six of our championships at the same time," Mr Reeves said.

"This multi-sport event will coincide with the Olympic Games in Paris. It will be a fantastic pathway to Queensland's participation in our own Games in 2032 in eight years' time. The School Sport Australia Games will provide an unforgettable sporting and educational experience for all students," he added.

Mr Reeves recalled that the support of the Queensland Government and event partners such as Experience Gold Coast, Uni Sport Australia and Struddys was essential in making the School Sport Games a reality.

The Gold Coast has been preparing to host an event of this calibre for many years and has developed world-class sporting facilities. "The Gold Coast is a vibrant sporting city and we're thrilled to be hosting the inaugural School Sport Australia Games in 2024," said Lord Mayor Tom Tate.

"Our Gold Coast Sports Precinct and venues across the city will host up to 4,000 competitors. With world-class facilities and local support, we'll provide an unforgettable experience for every student who takes part. Good luck to all participants!," he concluded.