Regional athletes from around Victoria, Australia have come together to celebrate 1000 days to go to the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Nine-times Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Australian Chef de Mission, Petria Thomas OAM, said there was more enthusiasm than ever for Victoria 2026.
"If the Games were a relay, we'd be at the first change with three legs to go," she said.
"There are 1000 days to go, and the countdown to the Opening Ceremony has begun. Our Team will be ready, and we're confident the host communities in Victoria and sports fans across Australia are looking forward to cheering us on."
Cycling – BMX, will be one of three sports, alongside Golf and Coastal Rowing, that will make their Commonwealth Games debut in 2026.
Shepparton's Cooper Bromley has been racing BMX bikes in Australia and overseas since he was six.
"BMX is new in the Commonwealth Games and it's exciting because the athletes get to show their hard work at a world class level," Cooper, 22, said.
The Commonwealth Games in Victoria will take place from March 17-29, 2026.
After a blockbuster opening ceremony at the MCG there will be 12 days of elite sport coming to the five Games Cities of Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, and Gippsland – supported by an electrifying festival program.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Shane Sali, said in 1,000 days we will welcome athletes, officials and visitors to Greater Shepparton for the 2026 Commonwealth Games Council.
"Council is excited by the opportunities the event will bring to Greater Shepparton. The Games provide a chance for local businesses to tender for several State Government contracts from security to catering, to medical services and cleaning. I would encourage any local services to register on the State Government's procurement website as a supplier," said Cr Sali.
"The influx of 200 plus athletes and support staff as well as spectators will boost our local economy with a demand for accommodation, hospitality and other services."
"Everyone in our community can become involved in the Games, either as volunteers or attending the cultural festivals, the sporting events or welcoming athletes from around the world," he said.
We look forward to working with local businesses and the community to put Greater Shepparton in the world spotlight in 2026."
