MARTIAL arts movie star Jean-Claude van Damme will meet Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate this week to discuss his dream of opening an animal sanctuary in Australia.
The 56-year-old, known as the “Muscles from Brussels”, is Down Under scouting locations for several animal habitats and seems to have his sights set firmly on the Coast.
Van Damme has been to Parliament in Canberra and to the Outback town of Broken Hill. Sydney and Melbourne are also on his itinerary but he will spend the majority of his time on the Gold Coast.
It is believed Van Damme and the mayor will meet today or tomorrow to discuss possible sites in the city.
Publicist Max Markson declined to discuss the meeting agenda, but said Van Damme was solely in Australia to find locations for his sanctuaries.
“Jean-Claude has been passionate about animals all his life, he is worried about animals becoming extinct and is concerned about their future on the planet,” he said.
“His plan is to create wildlife sanctuaries, not ones for people to visit, but ones for animals to be safe and to procreate.
“Jean-Claude thinks Australia is the safest place and will spend more time on the Gold Coast than anywhere else in the country.
Jean-Claude van Damme with Kylie Minogue on set of Street Fighter in 1994.
“He doesn’t want any money from state or local government, he will use his own millions and donations to fund the projects.”
Mayor Tom Tate confirmed the meeting but was tight-lipped.
“I look forward to meeting with him. It is premature to comment on what projects Jean-Claude may be interested in pursuing,” he said.
Van Damme arrived at Brisbane airport about 9.30pm last night and will spend four days on the Coast.
Today at 5pm the action film star will host a personal training session at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa.
Only 30 tickets were available to the rare session and due to a change in timing nine have become available.
Martial Arts school Wing Chun operator, Jon Poole, said it was an incredible opportunity.
“It is a small, intimate class with a focus on stretching, martial arts, perfecting kicking and there will be a question and answer segment.
“It will go for just over an hour and will be a once in a lifetime experience for many.”
Tickets to the class are $350, anyone wanting to inquire can call Mr Poole on 0448 179 120.
Source: Gold Coast Bulletin 5 December 2016
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