Council releases Victoria 2026 submission
The Council has presented its proposal for the Commonwealth Games to the community.
The filing, submitted to the Victorian Government on August 12, includes letters of support from representative sports groups and from one member for Wannon Dan Tehan and one member for South West Coast Roma Britnell.
It also includes a place for the marathon being run with Moyne Shire on a course that would include a stretch of coastline and possibly stunning views from and over Tower Hill.
“We have made strong arguments to offer hockey and/or cycling,” said Mayor Cr Vicki Jellie.
“That could mean hosting a national team or providing facilities for practice competitions or pre-game training.
“We have also brought a case for hosting basketball and shooting, which could become Commonwealth Games nominated sports.”
The council has also put forward proposals for hosting demonstration sports: esports and skateboarding.
“We were aware of the Organizing Committee’s message about demonstration sport and wanted to appeal to a younger generation,” said Cr Jellie.
“We have a great skate park and there is room to expand our skate facilities.
“And we have support from Deakin University, which has the know-how and facilities suitable for esports events.”
“Again, I would like to thank our local sports organizations and political representatives for their contributions and enthusiasm.
“That was really a great, collaborative effort by our working group.
“And while we understand that the bulk of the sporting action will take place within a 90-minute radius of Melbourne, other regional centers play a role.
“Our beautiful coastal scenery, sports-loving community, hospitality industry and record in hosting major sporting events such as the Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic and Surf Lifesaving Championships position us to have a role to play in Victoria 2026.
The Victorian Government and Commonwealth Games Australia, which form the games organiser, are working with the Commonwealth Games Federation on additional sports to be added to the Victoria 2026 programme.
International sports federations had until August 19 to submit proposals for inclusion on the list of games, with the Victorian government prioritizing “core Commonwealth Games Federation sports that have competed in recent Commonwealth Games and new sports with significant potential for growth and.” considering audience appeal and lasting community benefit.”
Up to five other sports are expected to be added to the Games through this separate expression of interest process.