Commonwealth Games Can Repair Aussie Reputation, Says Gold Coast Chief

Australian sport is in need of a PR make-over following the ball-tampering row with their cricketers and Gold Coast 2018 chairman Peter Beattie is hoping the Commonwealth Games can restore his nation’s tarnished reputation.

The actions of Aussie cricket skipper Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft brought shame on themselves and their country, their lengthy bans underlining the seriousness of the level of ‘cheating’ involved. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the Australian Sports Commission both weighed in with strong opinions in the storm that followed the uncovering of the cricket scandal.

Now, Beattie is hoping the 21^st Commonwealth Games will earn a gold star as a cheat-free zone.

Beattie claimed the Games can repair the damage done by the Australian team.

“The bottom line is that Australian cricket has damaged Australia’s sporting reputation and now the Commonwealth Games will restore that faith,” said Beattie, who is also chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

“We are determined to be a cheat-free zone. At the end of the day, these sporting heroes get paid a lot of money and behaviour on and off the field is really important.

“It is about setting a standard and setting an example, it’s about inspiring another generation, not the selfish cricketers. It is about the future.

“That’s what has disappointed most Australians. However, the Commonwealth Games will help restore our reputation.”

The Games open on 4 April and run to 15 April. There will be approximately 6,600 athletes from 26 sports and 38 Para events taking part in the Games, which for the first time at any major multi-sport Games will have the same number of medals for men and women.

Team Wales consists of 214 athletes – 108 Female and 106 Male.