Afternoon tea for Commonwealth Games stakeholders

Minister, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure for Kaye and me to celebrate with you all today the successful and most memorable delivery of Queensland’s largest ever event, the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, and to acknowledge your stellar efforts in supporting us during that time.

The Commonwealth Games have long been called the ‘Friendly Games’ and again they proved themselves to be so. Kaye and I felt the unifying power of sport each time we took our seats – at the basketball in Townsville and Cairns, and the lawn bowls, women’s netball and rugby sevens on the Gold Coast: that marvellous sense of commonality and camaraderie even in the midst of fierce competition.

We had the honour of hosting Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, along with The Earl of Wessex, at Government House during the Games and they too spoke fondly of this wonderful connection the nations of the Commonwealth enjoy, not only in sport but in every endeavour of mutual and global benefit.

The Gold Coast Games were an elevated platform from which to launch many new collaborations and trade partnerships. They were also a beacon of hope and a marker of progress in the realm of equality and inclusivity, boasting an equal number of events for male and female athletes and the largest ever para-sports program.

However one defines success, our Games surely exceeded it; but I believe the best definition may well be this: that for eleven peace-filled days, athletes and spectators from 71 united but widely-dispersed and diverse places came together in friendship, competed with respect, won or faced defeat with humility, and returned home enriched by the experience. That wonderful legacy is a credit to you.

Kaye and I enjoyed every minute of the Games experience thanks to your superb direction and care, your passion and professionalism.

We commend you today for achieving for the people of Queensland and the athletes and citizens of our Commonwealth, and for Kaye and me personally, a thrilling spectacle we will long remember.