Michael Healy, The Queensland State Government’s Minister for Tourism and Sport was in Cairns at the NQ Games Registration Hub today ahead of the Opening on Friday.
Speaking with media, Minister Healy was delighted to show his support for a major event in his own electorate of Cairns.
“The North Queensland Games represents a wonderful opportunity to not only showcase Cairns as a destination, but also showcase the region’s resilience,” Mr Healy said.
“The region has produced some of Australia’s finest athletes, and many competing here will have their sights set on representing their country in front of family and friends at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in eight years’ time.
Minister Healy took time to take photos with aspiring athletes popping in to register, as well as staff from the Queensland Academy of Sport who are in town running talent identification sessions during the NQ Games as part of their YouFor2032.
North Queensland Sports Foundation CEO, Stephen Farrell, was also in attendance ahead of lighting the flame for the 19th NQ Games
“The North Queensland Games is the largest regularly run multi-sport event across regional Australia and provides a unique opportunity for grass roots sporting organisations and regional communities. The Games attracts intrastate, interstate and overseas athletes” Mr Farrell said.
“While the athletes and the competition provide the centrepiece, the NQ Games also creates an opportunity to build connections, and create enduring memories for competitors, supporters and visitors”.
