Queensland Academy of Sport engages with community during North Queensland Games

About 2,000 athletes have converged on Cairns this weekend for the biennial North Queensland Games with an expected 12,000 people attending, and close to 5,700 travelling specifically for the Games.

During the Games, the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) are engaging with the community as part of its #Youfor2032 talent identification program, while the QAS’ Coach Development Team are on hand to offer advice to local coaches.

QAS shared via social media “we know there will be plenty of talent on display, so we’ll be around all weekend – if you think you have what it takes, stop by our marquee and find out more. If you’re an aspiring athlete aged 8-25, or an aspiring para-athlete aged 13-30, and you’ve got the drive to succeed, this could be your chance to chase your dreams.”

The 2024 North Queensland Games is the 20th edition of the event and marks the 40th anniversary since the inaugural Games in Townsville in 1984.

North Queensland Sports Foundation Chief Executive Stephen Farrell shared "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.”

An official opening ceremony took place at Fogarty Park on Friday night before participants commenced competition across 24 traditional and non-traditional sports, with competition finishing on Monday 6th May.

The event will provide an estimated $3 million boost for the local economy with 18,500 direct visitor nights.

The Queensland Government is sponsoring the event with $150,000 through the Department of Tourism and Sport and a further $10,000 through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Destination Events Program.

QLD Sport Minister Michael Healy noted “this is a celebration of both the region’s extraordinary sporting talent and its spirit, and no doubt will bring the wider community together.

“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.

“Above all, the Games will give a lift to the Cairns community as the region continues to recover from an incredibly challenging summer.”

Image. Credit: Queensland Academy of Sport