An Aussie BBQ and group rendition of Waltzing Matilda led by one of the delegates ended the visit of 13 delegates from Oceania, Africa and Americas.

Cook Islands delegate Sir Geoffrey Henry had revealed during the trip that the Oceania all plan to vote for the Gold Coast ahead of rivals Hambantota at the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Assembly in St Kitts and Nevis on November 11.

"We're certainly encouraged by those comments but it's a very intense process and when we hear the Gold Coast name read out on November 11 then we'll be very happy that the support was there," said Peters. 

"This is a great city, Australia loves the Games, our athletes love the Games, and there is a fantastic legacy, so we tick all the boxes.

"We respect our opponents but in the sporting contest we're humbly confident.

"But we will keep fighting right through to November to prove what a great city this is and what a great Games it would be for the athletes and anyone who comes to watch."


The highlight of the visit was a trip to watch the Gold Coast Titans lose 28-20 to·North Queensland Cowboys at Skilled Park, the proposed venue for the rugby sevens if the Games are awarded to Australia, before a crowd of·15,741.

"Taking our visitors to the Titans match on Saturday evening provided them with a firsthand look at how we deliver a major event," said Mark Stockwell, the chairman of Gold Coast 2018. 

"The delegates were very impressed with the stadium and in particular the energy and enthusiasm of the supporters.

"They were of course made to feel very welcome with a wave from the crowd and acknowledgement on the big screens of their presence at the game.

"The group was interested in the presentations at the various venues and asked lots of questions regarding our plans and the technical elements for delivery of the Games in 2018 and in particular what kind of experience the athletes could expect."

Several leading Australian athletes also met the delegation during the visit, including Damon Kelly, the 2010 Commonwealth Games 105kg+ weighlifting gold medallist. 

"These people were very interested in our proposal and were genuinely keen to hear thoughts from the athletes," said Stockell. 

"They were very relaxed and cheerful and I think they were all enjoying the programme."

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