11 Apr 2006 - Commonwealth Medal Winner Opens Eastern University Games

Alexandra Croak, the first Australian woman to compete and win medals at two consecutive Commonwealth Games in different sports, launched the Eastern University Games at the Coffs Coast International Stadium on Tuesday, 11 April.

"Alexandra is a tremendous example of what the athletes who are going to be competing in this year's Eastern University Games can achieve," said Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Keith Rhoades. "I am sure that many of the students taking part in these games will become familiar names at the highest sporting level in the coming years. This event is a fantastic opportunity for sport-lovers across the Coffs Coast to come and see some of our future stars in action," he said.

Ms Croak, a Coffs Harbour local who won a silver medal in synchronised diving at Melbourne and gold and silver medals in gymnastics at the Manchester Games, is a Patron of the 2006 Eastern University Games. She will be joined at the Games in July by fellow Patron, Grafton-born Kookuburras' Captain and Olympic and Commonwealth gold-medal winner Brent Livermore.

The Games are expected to attract 3,500 participants who will compete, volunteer, spectate or officiate in 21 sports during the five day sporting spectacular being held from 2-6 July 2006. Students from 23 universities across NSW and the ACT will be taking part in NSW's biggest annual multi-sport event, which is also the second largest in Australia.

In all, 17 venues across the city are hosting the Games including Sportz Central, the Coffs Harbour Education Campus, Richardson Park, Coffs Harbour Golf Club, Korora Squash Centre, the PCYC and the Botanic Garden.

"Coming so soon after the Commonwealth Games, I'm sure this event is going to attract sports fans and supporters from far and wide," said Cr Rhoades. "The city was honoured to hold the event in 2003 and we are doubly so in 2006. Not only will it inspire our youngest athletes to reach these levels, but it will bring a massive $3million economic benefit to the city.

"But, at the end of the day, it's the longer-term benefits of fun, top-class talent, friendship and sportsmanship that will really count," he said.

 Photo above shows Cr Keith Rhoades, Alexandra Croak and Tony Jermyn (National
Programs Manager, Australian University Sport) at the launch on the Games

Further Information:

Sara Hinds, Media Officer, 6648 4093/0407 227818