Goodwill Games

01/02/2001

Goodwill Games Athletes Training Venues

THIRTEEN hundred of the world's top sporting stars will train at suburban venues across Brisbane ahead of their participation in the 2001 Goodwill Games.

In addition to the official Games venues, the individually-selected sporting stars will train at nearby venues across the city, with organisers negotiating for access to Auchenflower's Vince Hickey basketball stadium, West End and Ship Inn volleyball courts, South Bank TAFE, Boondall Ice World, Queensland Academy of Sport at South Brisbane and the State Athletics Centre at Mt Gravatt.

2001 Goodwill Games general manager Clint Flood said a major factor in Brisbane's successful bid for the event was its abundance of sporting facilities.

``All of our sporting venues are world class,'' Mr Flood said.

``A $5.5 million State Government and Brisbane City Council venue upgrade will go a long way towards ensuring all venues are in top shape for international sporting competition.''

Work has already started on a multi-million dollar facelift at ANZ Stadium, which will boast a new athletics track and state-of-the-art scoring and timing equipment by the end of February.

Mr Flood, who has been involved in the management of several large international events including the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, said athletes were expected to arrive in Brisbane about three days prior to their scheduled events.

``We are liaising with international sporting associations and directors to ensure all athletes have access to first rate training facilities ahead of their competition,'' Mr Flood said.

``We also aim to ensure they have sufficient access to venues prior to competition, so they can familiarise themselves with the field of play.''

Training sessions will not be open to the public.

The 12-day sporting event runs from August 29 to September 9 and features 14 sports, including swimming, rhythmic and artistic gymnastics, trampoline, triathlon, weightlifting, boxing, figure skating, basketball, cycling, diving, surf lifesaving, beach volleyball and athletics.

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