Australian Parachute Federation to Host World Championships on Gold Coast in 2018

https://www.apf.com.au/get-into-skydiving/wpc/2018-world-parachuting-championships

Skydiving over the stunning Gold Coast is on many people’s bucket list and for the world’s elite parachutists, it is now a reality.

Delegates from the Australian Parachute Federation (APF) recently travelled to Portugal for the International Parachuting Commission (IPC) Annual General Meeting, where over 50 parachuting nations met to decide the host for the 2018 World Parachuting Championships. Ten skydiving disciplines are contested every two years at a World Championships with the prestigious event being held in Chicago, the Czech Republic and Dubai in recent years.

APF CEO Brad Turner said: “Australia submitted a bid over six months ago, to host the event right here on the stunning Gold Coast. Our delegates did a fantastic job in Portugal and the vote went in our favour – I am very excited to announce Gold Coast, Australia has been chosen as the venue for the 2018 World Parachuting Championships.”

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones said the 2018 World Parachuting Championships was another win for Gold Coast tourism.

“We know the 2018 World Parachuting Championships will bring close to 1000 international skydivers to the Gold Coast,” Ms Jones said.

“This event will drive more visitors to the Gold Coast, boost the local economy and support tourism jobs.

“It’s a great new addition to Queensland’s events calendar secured by the Palaszczuk Government through Tourism and Events Queensland in partnership with the City of Gold Coast.

“Events on the Gold Coast are flying high with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018), Supercars, Magic Millions and Gold Coast Marathon all locked in for the 2018.”

The event will be held at the Sports Super Centre – located in the suburb of Runaway Bay – where skydivers will land, pack parachutes and practise routines before leaping from aircraft some 14,000 feet above the Gold Coast.

APF National Development Manager Rob Libeau said: “Spectators are welcome to come along and watch and interact with the athletes. Large LED screens around the venue will broadcast competitions live, as they are scored by the judges.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the selection of the Gold Coast reinforced the city’s reputation as a leading events destination.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the sky or on the ground, the Gold Coast is a world class events city, offering a host of other top notch attractions,” he said.

Sports Super Centre Director Brendan Flynn said: “We are already an official training venue for the Commonwealth Games, so it is very exciting news for our centre – and Gold Coast sport in general – to be hosting the World Parachuting Championships in the same year. It’s another example of a great GC2018 legacy.”

The 2018 World Parachuting Championships – Gold Coast, Queensland, is supported by major partners – Tourism and Events Queensland and Gold Coast Events.

APF extends its appreciation to all those who’ve supported the bid, including City of Gold Coast, the Sports Super Centre, Runaway Cricket Club and Southport Flying Club.

The 2018 World Parachuting Championships – Gold Coast, Queensland will be contested at the Sports Super Centre from the 7th to 13th October 2018.