Kurt Fearnley OAM appointed fourth official Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Ambassador

Australian Paralympic champion Kurt Fearnley OAM was revealed as the fourth official Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Ambassador on the Gold Coast today.

The announcement was made at a public event at the Southport Broadwater Parklands hosted by Olympic and Commonwealth Games swimming champion Brooke Hanson OAM.

The Australian Paralympic movement superstar and Commonwealth Games medallist joins hurdles champion Sally Pearson OAM, swimming star Cameron McEvoy and cycling queen Anna Meares OAM as a welcome member of the GC2018 Ambassador family.

Kurt said he is excited to be an Ambassador for GC2018.

With a record seven para-sport events at GC2018, there is unprecedented opportunity for para-athletes from across the Commonwealth to shine on the world sporting stage in 2018.

And for me heading into my final international event, it’s incredible to be able to share the GC2018 dream alongside fellow ambassadors Sally, Cam and Anna.

The five-time Paralympian and 13 time medallist was born without the lower portion of his back, but has always been determined to achieve greatness, in and out of his racing wheelchair.

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chairman, Peter Beattie AC, said Kurt is an inspiration to all athletes around the world and a great addition to the GC2018 family.

Kurt is the ideal ambassador to champion the largest-ever integrated para-sport program at a multi-sport event, something unique to the Commonwealth Games, which adds a very exciting aspect to GC2018..

Aside from winning multiple marathons and track events around the world, Kurt has also crawled the Kokoda track and was a member of the crew of the 2011 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race line honours winner Investec Loyal.

GOLDOC CEO Mark Peters it’s only fitting that Kurt officially joins the GC2018 family.

He has been a strong supporter of GC2018 for a number of years now, indeed since the 2011 bid, and is the ideal person to help promote our event going forward.

With the largest integrated para-sport program at a Commonwealth Games it was important to have an ambassador that truly represented the para-athlete cohort and Kurt is the perfect fit.

To mark the occasion, Kurt was presented with a commemorative surfboard – an iconic keepsake of the Gold Coast lifestyle.

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