Australian education establishment Griffith University has agreed a value-in-kind deal to become a major sponsor of the 2018 Commonwealth Games multi-sport event, which will take place in the Gold Coast region of the country.
Under the deal, which will begin immediately and run through to the Games in 2018, Griffith University will become the second top-tier ‘gold’ sponsor of the Games and serve as the official university partner of Gold Coast 2018 and the Australian national team.
The Gold Coast Bulletin newspaper said that the VIK deal represents the first of its kind in Commonwealth Games history, with the university set to provide a range of products and services in lieu of a cash payment. The VIK component is said to account for 80 per cent of the overall agreement
Griffith University will work with Gold Coast 2018 to organise 250 internships with organisers and its partners during the build-up to the Games. The university will also offer Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Scholarships, which will be open to students from all Commonwealth nations.
Griffith University will also allow its facilities to be used both before and during the Games, with university campuses to be included in the Queen’s baton relay celebrations.
In addition, Griffith University will contribute to the creative arts programme that is running concurrently with Games organisers.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games will run from April 4-15. Echo Entertainment Group and its Jupiters Hotel and Casino development signed up as the first top-tier partner of the Games in August.