And the Gold Coast Games are underway!
Published Wed 04 Apr 2018
A spectacular opening ceremony in Carrara Stadium celebrated the start of the 21st Commonwealth Games, the fifth time they have been held in Australia following Sydney (1938), Perth (1962), Brisbane (1982) and Melbourne (2006) – making Australia the nation that has hosted the most number of Games.
The ceremony featured a creative mix of ancient and modern Australia, connected by an array of classic Australian images to demonstrate our universal story of inclusiveness and diversity.
Athletes, fans and visitors were welcomed to the traditional lands of the Yugambeh people of the Gold Coast region in the language of the traditional custodians.
It was a proud night for all Australians but particularly the 80 members of the 108-strong Athletics team who marched in the ceremony along with 15 staff.
Legends of Australian athletics and Team co-captains Sally Pearson and Kurt Fearnley had the honour of being two of the final Queen’s Baton relay runners. Pearson was the final baton bearer handing over to Peter Beattie the Chairman, Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. The baton contained the message from the Queen signalling the start of the Games and was read by Prince Charles.
Earlier, Queensland track umpire Des Johnston took the official oath that reflects the Commonwealth Games Federation’s principles of Humanity, Equality and Destiny. He was joined in reading the oath by lawn bowls medallist Karen Murphy long-time Australian netball coach Lisa Alexander.
Whilst action kicks off in other sports tomorrow, the Australian Athletics team will have to wait a few more days before they get to compete as the Athletics competition commences on Sunday 8 April, Day 8 of the Games.
More than 6,600 athletes in total, of which 952 are from Athletics, will be competing at the Games in 275 events across 18 sports over the next 11 days, with over 800 medals up for grabs in that time.
Pat Birgan for AA
Follow all the action of the XXI Commonwealth Games
The 2018 Commonwealth Games will be held on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, from Wednesday 4 April to Sunday 15 April 2018.
Athletics action kicks off on Sunday 8 April and continues until Sunday 15 April.
- Athletics Australia on Instagram
- Media Guide for 2018 Commonwealth Games (PDF)
- Commonwealth Games Australia
- Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games
Tickets
You can still buy athletics tickets for Gold Coast Commonwealth Games including for finals sessions;
Don’t miss your chance to witness world-class competition live and cheer on the Aussie team.
TV and Digital
The Seven Network will broadcast content on all three of their TV channels - 7, 7TWO and 7Mate.
You can download the 7CommGames app from both the Google Play and Apple store or watch via the website version.
The app and website will have all events on TV and every medal event live, in full and available for free.
Athletics will be hosted by a huge team of athletics specialist led by Bruce McAvaney and
With Pat Welsh trackside and Melinda Gainsford-Taylor and Jane Flemming providing additional commentary.
How to listen on radio
ABC Local and Regional Stations – Updates throughout the day with live continuous
coverage from 7.00 pm
The ABC
Grandstand Digital DAB+ – broadcasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
ABC Online – ABC Grandstand will stream its Games coverage
Karen Tighe will host the broadcast with Quentin Hill covering Athletics along with Australia’s fastest man, Patrick Johnson providing expert commentary.