Games

The launch for the 2000 Games was held in Townsville on 1 December 1999. Future Olympic Gold Medallist Beach Volleyball player  and Townsville local Natalie Cook was in attendance at the function, held at Citibeach Volleyball and attended by members of the sporting community of North Queensland. The Foundation had twenty-six member Cities/Shires at the time of the Townsville Games. A cheque for $80,000 was presented to Ross Contarino by Suncorp, a symbol of their continued support for the Games.

The Games occurred from 21-24 April and attracted 4,703 athletes who participated in 48 sports.

Many sports held their State Championships in unison with the Games, thus raising the profile and attraction to competitors of the Games. Sports adopting this initiative ensured that a professional and high standard competition was run.

A highlight of the sporting events were two Olympians - and future Gold Medallists - in cyclist Brett Aitken beach volleyball player Natalie Cook travelling to participate in the Games. Aitken won the criterium around Townsville city streets. They would both go on to win gold medals at the Sydney Olympics, Brett Aitken for the Madison Cycling Event and Natalie Cook and partner Kerry Polthurst won the Beach Volleyball.

The Games’ oldest competitor, 76 year old Charlie Doyle, showed amazing determination and fitness, competing in the 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m events. Charlie said the Games were motivation for him to “keep active.”

In 2000, the closing ceremony was performed under a different format. Rather than being a structured ceremony, it was more of a ‘Family Fun Day’ including the official ceremonial aspects required to end the Games. This saw a greater attendance at the closing ceremony than in previous years.