By Tom Degun in St Kitts and Nevis

mark stockwell_11-11-11November 11 – Following a high quality presentation from Hambantota, the Gold Coast hit straight back here, urging the 70 Commonwealth nations and territories in attendance that the Australian city is the best place to take the 2018 Commonwealth Games because the country would provide a low risk competition.

The presentation began with a video highlighting the attractiveness of the city and emphasising that the Gold Coast regularly hosts elite sporting competition in fantastic conditions.

Australia played their trump card with a video message from the country's Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

"I am fully behind the Gold Coast 2018 bid and the Government are fully behind this bid," said Gillard.

"We know we could host an amazing event for the athletes and I urge you to take this event to us because we could stage a spectacular event.

"Please take the Commonwealth Games to the Gold Coast, we are ready to shine."

Anna Bligh, the Premier of Queensland, reemphasised the Government's support in person, claiming that the Gold Coast could deliver a safe event that would help keep the Commonwealth Games Movement on a high.

"The Gold Coast regularly delivers top sporting events so by taking this competition to Australia, you know you are sure of a top quality Games," she said.

"This is about providing a great Games for the athletes in attendance and ensuring top class facilities for them.

"You know that by taking the 2018 Commonwealth Games to the Gold Coast, you will be getting just that."

There was also an appearance from Paralympic star Kurt Fearnley who emphasised that the Gold Coast is one of the top sporting destinations but the final word was left Gold Coast 2018 bid chairman Mark Stockwell.

"We have been given a low risk assessment by the CGF Evaluation Commission and we would start work on this event straight away," he said.

"We would provide a fantastic event for the brand with the top athletes in attendance to reemphasise the standing of the Commonwealth Games as one of the world's top sporting event.

"We would deliver a prestigious and friendly Games.

"The Gold Coast Games would be life-changing for the city and for the Gold Coast."

Throughout, the Gold Coast presentation relied heavily on spectacular images of the Gold Coast and videos showing off the amazing skyline, stunning beaches and superb tourist destinations that may well have done enough to convince the 70 Commonwealth Games to vote for the Australian city.

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