Athletics Australia celebrates an upcoming home Olympic and Paralympic Games

Athletics Australia would like to congratulate the Queensland Government, the Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia for securing the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane.

The Brisbane Games will be the third Olympics and second Paralympic Games that Australia will host, more than three decades after the prolific Sydney 2000 Games.

Athletics Australia CEO Peter Bromley said that although Australians around the country are eagerly awaiting the start of the Tokyo Games, tonight’s vote by the IOC will have a resounding impact on the hearts and minds of all Australian people.

“Today marks a significant date in history, and a proud moment not just for Queenslanders or sports fans, but for all Australians alike,” Bromley said.

“The community response following the Sydney Games was incredible, and showed the best of the Australian spirit. The country united, got behind our wealth of talent and the Games delivered sporting and community legacy that still impacts the wider Australian public today.

“There are many Australians around the country of all ages ready to watch the most highly anticipated Games, and so many young children across our country will no doubt take inspiration from their Olympic and Paralympic heroes wearing the green and gold in Tokyo.

“It will encourage those same young children to get involved in sport, experience the social and physical benefits that sport can provide, and it will be great to see some of this younger generation on the start line in Brisbane."

“On behalf of Athletics Australia and the Australian athletics community, I’d like to congratulate the Queensland Government, the AOC and Paralympics Australia on their efforts. Together, they will no doubt make a positive impact in bringing the Games to life.”

Tokyo-bound Olympian Matt Denny echoed the comments stating:

“As an Olympian in Brisbane, it is extremely exciting that the Olympics will be here in my backyard. As a kid, I had great dreams of being an athlete and looked up to Olympians, like Dani Stevens, who wore the green and gold with such pride,” Denny said.

“Having something as big as the Olympics and Paralympics in Australia will inspire a whole new generation of athletes in a different way. It will encourage kids to get active with the hopes of following the steps of their heroes, and for athletes like me with lengthy careers ahead, it’s exciting to know that I could be a part of something that has such an impact.”

Brisbane-based Paralympian Isis Holt said she remembers the impact that the 2018 Commonwealth Games had on Para-sport in Australia, and believes having a Paralympic Games will change perceptions around disability.

“One of my favourite memories from the Commonwealth Games here in Australia was having the nation cheer us on the Gold Coast and get to know us Para-athletes and Paralympians in a different and more intimate way than they had before,” Holt said.

“Having a Paralympic Games here at home in Australia, and in my adopted home of Brisbane, is a once in a life time opportunity, and I know it will also make a difference in changing the way people think about disability and Para-sport in Australia.”

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 21/7/2021