For the first time ever since 1984, the Suncorp North Queensland Games will not be held at Easter.
The dates for the next Games to be held in the Townsville and Thuringowa Region are 11 to 14 April 2008. President of the North Queensland Sports Foundation, Cr Margaret Cochrane said that the decision to stage the Games outside of Easter was not taken lightly. ”Our decision is based on the fact that Easter in 2008 is in early March and is only two weeks before the Queensland Local Government elections. As the North Queensland Sports Foundation is very much an organisation that relies on the support from the local Councils in North Queensland, it would have proved almost impossible to stage the Games before the elections. It also gives us the opportunity to see how the Games will be accepted outside Easter. From many informal discussions, the decision has been well accepted as many people like to spend Easter with their families”
The last time the Games were held in the Townsville region was in 2000 and the area has changed markedly with a great deal of money being spent on facilities. The Murray Sporting Complex is set to receive a $22 million makeover, and although all the work will not be completed by April 2008, the complex will be looking a picture. Similarly, the new Riverway facility in Thuringowa is looking magnificent and will be complete by the Games. The swimming lagoons are already attracting large crowds and the new cricket/football oval will also be finished in 2007.
Set to include over fifty sports, there will be plenty on offer for the people of North Queensland and beyond.
“Western Games” to be developed for Mount Isa Region
In another innovative move the North Queensland Sports Foundation has decided to create a “Western Games” concept for the Mount Isa region, which will commence in 2009. The Western Games will be a substitute for Mount Isa as the Foundation has decided that the rotation of the Suncorp North Queensland Games will now not include Mount Isa. President Margaret Cochrane is pleased with the total support received from the member Councils especially Mount Isa City Council. “We realised that the Games were struggling out in Mount Isa with reference to facilities, accommodation and the sheer size of the Games, so we decided to look at how we could improve the future hosting of the Suncorp North Queensland Games. However we are very keen to support Mount Isa and we will be working hard and creatively to ensure that the Western Games is a great success in 2009 and onwards”
For more information, please contact Stuart Gibson, Manager on the above number or on mobile 0419 681 053
