The country’s sporting elite descend on the Gold Coast in June for a month of nationals.
One of the legacies of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games is the city’s list of world-class venues and facilities, in June some of those venues will spring into action again hosting three premier national championships.
The Santos Wheelchair Rugby National Championship kicks off at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre on 2 June, then in the following week more than 1000 competitors will take over the venue for the Judo Australia National Championships from 9-12 June. At the same time, the 2023 Australian Open Bowls will roll back into town hosted at various clubs across the Gold Coast from 10-23 June, including at another legacy venue, Broadbeach Bowls Club.
Major Events Gold Coast CEO Jan McCormick said the Gold Coast’s reputation for hosting major events, along with our world-class venues, helps the city secure and retain these pinnacle national sporting tournaments.
“One of the wonderful legacies of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games is the many state-of-the-art, multi-purpose venues we have here, which allow us to attract, and keep, major international and national sporting events,” said Ms McCormick.
“The Gold Coast continues to grow its reputation as a major sporting event destination with facilities to rival the world’s best, coupled with our great weather and accommodation options, that is a very attractive offering for event organisers looking for long-term homes for their annual competitions.”
Just steps from the beach, Broadbeach Bowls Club will not only play a major role in the Australian Open tournament in June, it will also play host to the 2023 World Bowls Championships secured for August and September this year. More than 45 countries are expected to participate in the championships including, for the first time, the world’s best para-athletes. This month’s Australian Open titles has attracted record registrations with around 3500 of the country’s, and indeed the world’s, best bowlers registered to compete, with the final two days broadcast live on 7Two, Fox Sports and Kayo.
The world-class Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre (GCSLC) is another in-demand venue that is regularly booked out all year round with major sporting events, and this month is no exception. The 2023 Santos Wheelchair Rugby National Championship sees the country’s best in the sport compete across three days of fierce action much to the delight of spectators. The event is broadcast live on Kayo Sports and Foxtel.
From 9 June, the Judo Australia National Championships returns to the GCSLC. Major Events Gold Coast secured a three-year deal for the National Championships to be held at the venue from 2023–25. The GCSLC has been identified as a potential host venue for judo for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Acting Coast Mayor Donna Gates said she was proud to see the Gold Coast secure so many premier national and international sporting events.
“Increasingly our city and sporting venues are being chosen to host major sporting tournaments, that bring thousands of participants and spectators here, further cementing our reputation as one of Australia’s, and the globe’s, top sporting cities,” said Acting Mayor Donna Gates.
“For Gold Coasters, these events provide the chance to watch the country’s elite athletes in action right in their own backyard, whether it is judo, wheelchair rugby or lawn bowls. Don’t miss this month of nationals!”
Spectators are welcome at all national championships in June with tickets available through the individual sports’ websites. Wheelchair Rugby, Judo Australia and Bowls Australia.
Around 1000 athletes compete in the national championships vying to be the best judoka in more than 100 weight divisions and categories.