Media release (Queensland):
Let the Centrelink Games begin!
Friday, 29 October 2010
With the cheers of the Delhi Commonwealth Games still echoing, the Gold Coast is this weekend hosting another significant event on the sporting calendar, the Centrelink Games.
Staff from Centrelink and sister agencies Medicare Australia and Child Support Agency, from all over Australia, will compete in events as diverse as touch football, beach volleyball, lawn bowls, fishing, surfing, darts and golf.
Games organiser Jon Shellard said the 35th annual Centrelink Games promised to be a great event for the more than 500 Centrelink staff and their guests taking part, and a financial windfall for the Gold Coast.
“It’s anticipated over the 3 days of competition, competing Centrelink staff, family and friends will contribute more than $100,000 directly to the Gold Coast community, by way of the social and sporting events, accommodation, travel, shopping, food and beverage, as well as entertainment,” Jon said.
“A key aim of the Games is to raise money for charity, and we estimate we will have $2,000 to give to the North Burleigh Surf Club, $2,000 to the Twead Heads and Coolangatta Surf Club plus $12,000 for the Ross Divett Foundation, established by Centrelink staff in 2002 in memory of a former Deputy CEO. There will be a further $8,000 given to the ‘You have a friend ‘ local homeless charity, and about $5,000 to the Gold Coast Special Olympic team.
“The money has been raised through Centrelink Games entry fees, various staff fundraisers this year and charity auctions to be held this weekend.”
Jon said the Centrelink Games and the Gold Coast Community have a special relationship.
“This is the 4th time the Games have been held in on the Coast. The excellent sporting facilities, golf courses, accommodation and restaurants make it the perfect venue for a big event like this.”
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink media contact.