By: Jason Huang

Loads of people and even the mayor of Gold Coast are desperately trying to save the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Billionaire and businesswoman, as well as the head of a mining company named Hancock Prospecting, Gina Rinehart has teamed up with Swimming Queensland, Volleyball Australia and Artistic Swimming Australia to help the Mayor of Gold Coast, Tom Tate, in his bid to host the Commonwealth Games.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games were supposed to take place in Victoria but Premier Dan Andrews said that the state would not host the event because it was too expensive. Cr Tate then stepped in and he offered to use the Gold Coast to host the Commonwealth Games but the state and even the federal governments said no to the plan. Instead, they said that Queensland should put more focus onto preparing for its upcoming Olympics in 2032.

Cr Tate said that it was fantastic that Ms Rinehart was helping to host the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games event.“We must show what we are capable of as a country,” Cr Tate said.“The Aussie athletes deserve it, as does every young kid who dreams of representing their country.” Also, most of the people who participated in the Games (and that is10,000 people) are supporting the bid. Swimming Queensland boss Kev Hasemann said that his organization was behind the Gold Coast.“The Commonwealth Games give Australia’s best swimmers a vital opportunity to hone their racing skills for the pinnacle events on the world stage: the World Aquatics Championships and the Olympic Games,” he said.

Cr Tate said that Victoria’s shocking decision to not host the Commonwealth Games was a major embarrassment for Australia.“To me, the Aussie way of life is to honor a deal, whether it is secured with a handshake or a formal contract,” he said. “Aussies are known for being fair dinkum when it comes to their word so, politics aside, we must honor our country’s commitment to the 2026 Games.”

Overall, lots of people are trying to save the Commonwealth Games and they are supporting the mayor of Gold Coast in his bid of hosting the Commonwealth Games.