Universities welcome return to the Gold Coast for Nationals 2021

Following the success of the 2019 Nationals, UniSport Australia is delighted to announce that Div 1 and Div 2 Nationals, presented by UniBank, will return to the Gold Coast in 2021 thanks to the support of strategic partners Tourism and Events Queensland and Major Events Gold Coast.

The Nationals will run concurrently from 25 September to 1 October and attract over 7,500 participants from Australia’s 43 universities. Students will compete in over 30 individual and team sports such as basketball, cheer and dance, netball, and water polo. The competition will be staged across many of the Gold Coast’s major sporting venues including the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, Gold Coast Aquatic Centre and Coomera Indoor Sports Centre.

UniSport CEO Mark Sinderberry said: “We are delighted to continue our strategic partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland and look forward to working with them and the newly formed Major Events Gold Coast team for the delivery of the event next year. The Gold Coast provides the perfect backdrop for our students to embrace the inter-university rivalry that the Nationals brings, and we can’t wait to see how the teams perform next year.”

As a result of Covid-19 restrictions university students have really missed their sport and are keen to return to Nationals competition in 2021. In a recent UniSport survey one student commented: “For me, university sport was what truly made me connected with my peers and university life. Covid has impacted all aspects of life, but I can now see the value university sport has on my university experience and overall wellbeing.”

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said “Events like the Nationals will play an important role in the state’s economic recovery. Major events like this pump thousands of dollars back into the local businesses, support local jobs and help to rebuild our economy. This event will deliver a great boost for local businesses at a time when everyone is doing it tough. The Gold Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit and the Nationals gives visitors another reason to book a trip.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate also responded to the announcement: “We look forward to welcoming over 7500 participants to the 2021 Nationals. We are a city that loves hosting major events and we are grateful our reputation as a safe destination during these difficult times ensures that we can continue to do so. Another great event on the Gold Coast.”

“There’s no doubt that the organisers of the Nationals love the Gold Coast as much as we do. Last held here in 2019, UniSport have chosen to return in 2021 and why wouldn’t you? Not only will students be competing in many of the Gold Coast’s world-class Commonwealth Games legacy venues, when the Nationals are over, they can stay on and celebrate their successes in our beautiful destination.” Jan McCormick, CEO Major Events Gold Coast.

For more information, please contact:

Natalie Broom

Project Manager – Nationals

UniSport Australia

07 3876 2610

natalie.broom@unisport.com.au