ISLAMABAD: Australian High Commissioner Margaret Adamson, hosted a reception on Wednesday for Pakistan’s contingent heading to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games 2018. “The games contingent 2018 will be the biggest sporting event our gold coast has ever staged and the biggest sporting event seen in Australia this decade,” Margaret Adamson said. Adamson added that more than 6,600 athletes and team officials from 70 countries and territories will compete in 18 sports and seven para-sports during 11 days of competition broadcast to a global audience of 1.5 billion. They will be supported by 15,000 friendly Australian volunteers. “I am particularly pleased we have been able to help two Pakistani student ambassadors travel to the gold coast during the games,” Adamson said. “A girl and a boy selected by the competition will represent Pakistan at a cultural programme,” she added. Australia has a strong record of supporting sports development in Pakistan. “The Australian High Commission and the Pakistan Cricket Board will hold an annual school girls cup cricket tournament and skills development clinic which aims to empower girls through cricket,” she added further. In addition, Australia supports squash training for more than 600 youngsters and promotes health and gender equality through its sporting programme. GV 2018 will be held from April 4-15, 2018 on the gold coast in Australian state of Queensland. These will be the fifth commonwealth games held in Australia and the first games offering an equal number of medal events for both men and women. Published in Daily Times, March 29th 2018.