Gold Coast to host 2027 World Archery Para Championships in Australian first

The Gold Coast will host the 2027 World Archery Para Championships, marking the first time the event has been staged in Australia and adding another international sporting event to Queensland’s lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

More than 300 athletes from over 50 countries are expected to compete at the Gold Coast Performance Centre from 30 August to 6 September 2027. The championships will serve as a qualification event for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games while bringing elite para-archers to Australia.

The event was secured by Archery Australia with support from the Queensland Government’s Mega and Strategic Events Fund.

The Crisafulli Government said the championships form part of its Destination 2045 tourism strategy, which aims to grow the visitor economy by attracting major events and encouraging investment in the state’s tourism sector.

Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said hosting the championships would generate economic benefits for the Gold Coast while raising Queensland’s international profile.

“For the first time, Australia will host this prestigious championship, bringing more than 300 athletes from over 50 countries to the Gold Coast and generating valuable tourism and economic benefits for local businesses,” Mr Powell said.

“As we build towards Brisbane 2032, we’re attracting world-class events that showcase Queensland to a global audience and create lasting opportunities for our communities.”

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the announcement aligned with preparations for the Brisbane Games.

“Today’s announcement is a fitting way to mark six years to go until the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with Queensland securing another world-class event that strengthens our reputation as the home of Australian sport,” Mr Mander said.

He said the championships would give Queenslanders the chance to watch leading international para-athletes while helping strengthen the state’s standing in para-sport.

Archery Australia Chief Executive Officer Peter Bromley described the successful bid as an important milestone for the sport.

“Winning the right to host the 2027 World Archery Para Championships on the Gold Coast is a great achievement for archery in Australia and a testament to Queensland’s reputation as a world-class host of international sporting events,” Mr Bromley said.

“We look forward to welcoming the global para-archery community to the Gold Coast and delivering a championship that celebrates sporting excellence, inclusion and the Paralympic spirit.”

World Archery President Greg Easton said bringing the championships to Australia would introduce the sport to new audiences while building momentum towards the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.

Australian para archer Tom Holland said competing at a home world championship would provide valuable experience for the national team.

“I believe the event will provide a great foundation for para-archery in Australia,” Mr Holland said.

“As the qualification event for LA28, a home championship with a home crowd and big team will allow us to establish our position ahead of LA28 before continuing that momentum into Brisbane 2032.”

Queensland has increasingly used major sporting events as part of its tourism and economic development strategy ahead of Brisbane 2032. Alongside the expected visitor spending, organisers hope the championships will increase participation in para-archery and leave a lasting legacy for the sport in Australia.