The next generation of Australian basketball talent, and officials and spectators are contributing $2.24 million to the Gold Coast visitor economy this week and supporting Queensland jobs.
Basketball Australia's weeklong Australian School Championships have tipped off at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre and Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium.
Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said 145 teams from high schools around Australia and one from New Zealand were competing on the Gold Coast.
"More than 6,000 players, coaches and officials makes this Basketball Australia's pinnacle schools event and a bonanza for the Gold Coast visitor economy," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"We've secured the prestigious Australian Schools Championships for the Gold Coast from Victoria until 2024.
"The Championships are $2.24 million worth of good news for Gold Coast accommodation, hospitality and transport providers and tourism operators.
"With a history of nurturing the game's best, the tournament is a great opportunity to see basketball's next generation of talent in action.
"Olympians Patty Mills and Lauren Jackson and NBA and WNBA rising stars Josh Giddey and Ezi Magbegor have all thrilled on the court at the Australian School Championships.
"The Championships are part of a pipeline of basketball talent that makes Australia a world hoops powerhouse."
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the Gold Coast's solid reputation for hosting events and world-class venues had helped secure the Australian School Championships.
"This is one of many wonderful examples of the Gold Coast's 2018 Commonwealth Games legacy at work," Ms Scanlon said.
"The Gold Coast Sports Precinct is GC2018 legacy infrastructure that's enjoyed by our community and continues to attract major events.
"We know when major events and tournaments come to the Gold Coast, they support our visitor economy and cement our reputation as Australia's favourite destination."
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said hosting this tournament is part of our plan to expand the city's annual events calendar.
"Another day and another major event for our city. Attracting 145 school-based teams to the coast for Basketball Australia's Australian School Championships highlights our capability to deliver on the big stage," Mr Tate said.
"I applaud Major Events Gold Coast, Basketball Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland for inking the three-year deal. It'll be showtime at Carrara.''
Basketball Australia CEO Matt Scriven said his organisation was excited to make use of the Gold Coast's world-class facilities.
"We are excited to host our Australian School Championships on the Gold Coast for the next three years with the support of the Queensland Government and Major Events Gold Coast," Mr Scriven said.
"This event has become an important pathway for basketball talent, the best Australian young athletes will be on display.
"These Championships have a long and impressive alumnus of players who have gone on to represent their country.
"The facilities on the Gold Coast are world class and we look forward to welcoming athletes to what will be an exciting five days of intense competition."
Basketball Australia's 2022 Australian Schools Championships are one of the largest national school sport competitions in Australia and New Zealand.
Teams will compete in 20 female and male divisions over five days until 2 December at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre and the Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium.
