The 2018 Commonwealth Games Village (CGV) officially opened its doors on Sunday 25 March, and is now welcoming the Commonwealth’s best athletes to the Gold Coast 2018 Games.
By Ashley Gillespie
The brand new complex of residential towers will host a total of 6,600 athletes and officials from 71 nations and territories during the upcoming Games that kick off on April 5.
The artistic gymnastics team were the first Aussie athletes to arrive at the CGV, enjoying the perks that come with being a home athlete. But their solidarity didn’t last long with our squash, boxing and weightlifting athletes checking in over the last few days.
Aussie weightlifter Steph Davies, preparing for her first Commonwealth Games, praised the village and the friendly volunteers, ‘It’s a great village with lots of different areas – I think we’re all going to have a great time here,” Davies told CGA.
“The village is very patriotic and the attention to Aussie detail is so impressive – even the Monopoly in the games room is the Australian version!”
“It’s been such a big build-up for the Commonwealth Games – especially a home Games – so to actually get here and feel like we’re in amongst it now is really exciting,” Davies added.
Defending Commonwealth Champions, the Aussie Diamonds also made a fleeting visit to the Village yesterday to check in before heading off to their Staging Camp on the Sunshine Coast today.
Speaking after the opening of the CGV, Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) CEO Craig Phillips, a veteran of 12 Olympic campaigns said, “This is one of the best Games Villages I have seen.”
“A Games Village is a home away from home for our athletes. As host Commonwealth Games Association, CGA is delighted at the extremely positive response the Village is attracting from our colleagues from around the Commonwealth. We are proud of what has been delivered.”
Ideally situated at Parkland, the village is located to provide quick and easy access for all athletes to their competition venues. This will allow them to focus on their preparations and competitions during their stay without having to worry about long journeys.
The village will provide residential, retail, recreation, dining and medical facilities for the athletes and officials during the 11 days of Games competition.
