The appointment was officially made by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of Bligh and the President of the Australian Commonwealth Games Association (ACGA) Sam Coffa.

Stockwell, a former swimmer who won two silver medals and a bronze at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympics, said he would bring to the role extensive experience as an athlete combined with a solid business management background, as well as knowledge and passion for the region's capabilities.

"The bid for the Games was very intense and all about demonstrating what we could do and how we would deliver a fantastic and memorable Games," said the 48-year-old, who played a crucial role in helping the Gold Coast defeat sole bid rivals Hambantota by 43 votes to 27 at the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Assembly in St Kitts last month.

"The Organising Committee is all about delivering on our promises to the Commonwealth Games Association delegations as per the detail outlined in the Bid Book.

"The Gold Coast will be on show to the world and it is paramount that we have the right staff in place, well trained volunteers and all aspects of the event combined are delivered to the highest standard.

"We must now look to appoint a board and a chief executive so we can hit the ground running in 2012.

"However this is a marathon, not a sprint with lots of planning before the finish line in 2018 and lots of hard work ahead."


Bligh (pictured second from left) said she was thrilled when Stockwell agreed to chair the Organising Committee.

"Mr Stockwell managed to drive the bid for the Games with a passion and energy befitting his days as an athlete and I have no doubt he will throw the same amount of enthusiasm into delivering a sensational Games that will do Queensland and Australia proud," she said.

"He has a very solid business and commercial background that will ensure the infrastructure and venue upgrades are in accordance with the requirements of the Commonwealth Games Federation and the international sporting bodies."

Bligh echoed Stockwell's comments that the next major appointment would be the Organising Committee chief executive.

The role is being widely advertised with Gold Coast 2018 bid chief executive Mark Peters serving as acting chief executive of the Organising Committee until the role is filled on a permanent basis.

Peters however, is considered the favourite the role on a permanent basis after earning many plaudits in helping the Gold Coast bid to victory.

Coffa (pictured left) has already indicated that he would like to see Peters take up the role full-time but there are said to be a number of high profile candidates in the running for the prestigious position.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
December 2011: Exclusive - Stockwell to be chairman of Gold Coast 2018 Organising Committee
November 2011: Gold Coast 2018 Board to be set-up next month to run Commonwealth Games