By the Global Games Sports Company

The countdown to the 2019 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Global Games in Brisbane, Australia, began on Thursday (12 October) with organisers making a series of announcements.

The Global Games Sports Company (GGSC) and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in which both organisations will share knowledge before, during and after the Commonwealth Games in April 2018.

The leadership teams from both organisations will work together to identify potential legacy projects, initiatives and programmes that benefit each event.

Over the term of the agreement the GGSC will work closely with GOLDOC and their workforce team. They will identify opportunities for volunteers and paid team members to transition or re-engage with the 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games.

“This is a monumental occasion for the area of inclusion and testament to the role sport plays in Australia to provide opportunities and pathways for athletes with an impairment,” said Robyn Smith, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GGSC.

“GOLDOC is committed to ensuring that the 2018 Commonwealth Games leaves a lasting legacy for all Australians on the power of sport to change lives. We are delighted to be working with the Global Games Sports Company in sharing information to assist the delivery of the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games – Brisbane 2019,” Mark Peters, CEO of GOLDOC, said.

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will take place on 4-15 April. It will be the largest sporting event in Australia since the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“We are excited to bring the Games to Brisbane and to work with the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council, to deliver the best Games ever. Australia did it in Sydney in 2000 and we have no doubt with the support of the Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council and the State and national sporting organisations and over 300 volunteers that we will do it again here in Brisbane in 2019.” Smith concluded.

As part of a celebration held in Brisbane, Assistant Minister of State Assisting the Premier Jennifer Howard MP, officially launched the countdown.

“The Queensland Government is proud to be the presenting partner of the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games – Brisbane 2019, and I have no doubt Brisbane will be an amazing host city for this international event,” Howard said. “The Games will be a week-long Championship, celebrating ability and promoting the power of sport to achieve social cohesion.

“Athletes will compete across nine internationally sanctioned sports including: athletics, basketball, cycling, futsal, rowing, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, and tennis as well as a number of demonstration sports in many of Brisbane’s world class venues.

“This is such a wonderful legacy event following the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.”

Along the way organisers hope to use the Games to challenge perceptions, change attitudes and strengthen communities locally and globally. This will leave a lasting legacy for the people of Brisbane, Queensland and Australia of the power of sport to break down barriers and create social inclusion.

Howard said the Queensland Government was committed to ensuring people with impairments could live the life they choose:

“We want to create a better future by driving the changes we need to ensure our State is more inclusive and that people with disability can participate fully in all aspects of our communities.”

The GGSC rounded off their celebrations by announcing the Accor hotels will be the Official Provider of Accommodation for the 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games.

Matthew Young, Vice President Operations Accor Hotels, commented, “We are delighted and honoured at our appointment as the official accommodation provider for this major international sporting event. Accor Hotels is committed to continuing to use our considerable experience and expertise in the accommodation services sector to support the Global Games Sports Company to deliver a first class event for the 1,000’s of visitors to Brisbane in 2019.”

Accor Hotels that will provide accommodation during the Global Games include Sofitel Brisbane Central, Pullman and Mercure Brisbane King George Square, Quay West Suites Brisbane, The Sebel Brisbane, Novotel Brisbane, Novotel Brisbane Southbank, Mercure Brisbane, Ibis Brisbane and Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth street.

The 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games will see more than 1,000 of the world’s best athletes with an intellectual impairment compete across nine sports at some of Brisbane’s iconic international sporting venues.

In addition organisers will also showcase the sports of netball, Australian rules football, cricket and hockey. Demonstrations were held in Brisbane’s King George Square on Thursday, allowing members of the public to try some of the sports for themselves.