Brisbane is hosting the 2032 Olympics
The verdict is in – Brisbane has been officially confirmed as the hosts of the Olympic Games in 2032, as expected. Everyone knew it would happen but that doesn’t take away from the signficance of the moment and the magnitude of the achievement by those behind the bid.
The scenes from the live sites in Brisbane are quite beautiful, and the fireworks over the Brisbane River… well, it doesn’t get much more Queensland than that.
‘This is a very proud day for Australia’
A few minutes ago, Annastacia Palaszczuk and the Australian delegation were celebrating and getting a little teary as they watched live vision of those fireworks back home. Now they’re on stage taking photos and signing the official contracts, and the pre-prepared statements of reaction are already filtering through.
“This is a very proud day for Australia, make no mistake,” said AOC president John Coates in a press release.
“I thank the IOC Members for their confidence. Brisbane 2032 is genuinely committed to serving the ideals of the Olympic movement.
“The Olympic Games in Brisbane will be in the most diligent, grateful and enthusiastic hands. And I make this commitment to the athletes of the world – we will provide you with an unforgettable experience.
“Of course, many of these athletes are the children of the world right now. Young people who will be glued to their television sets over the next two weeks as the great champions of the world compete here in Tokyo. Many Olympic dreams will be created here in Tokyo, thanks to the generosity of the people of Japan and the commitment of today’s Olympians.
“Australia will welcome the world in 2032. South-East Queensland is Australia’s fasting growing region, offering a friendly and culturally diverse people with a passion for sport, first class sporting facilities, excellent transport and a commitment to put the world’s athletes at the centre of everything we do.
“Queensland’s climate, iconic beaches and environmental attractions makes our offering irresistible for athletes, families, friends and sports lovers.”
Paralympics Australia welcomes 2032 decision
Paralympics Australia says hosting the Games on home turf will allow it to “supercharge” its long-held philosophy of driving societal change, including transforming attitudes to people with disabilities and a targeted aim to reduce inactivity among Australians by 15 per cent by the end of the decade.
The governing body for para-sports in Australia will look to the legacy of past events – namely the highly-successful 2012 London Paralympics – as the blueprint for how new standards for accessibility and equality are met.
Paralympics Australia boss Lynne Anderson wants the Games to leave their own legacy.
“The real key for us as custodians of the Paralympic movement in Australia is about the social impact that the 2032 Paralympic Games will bring,” said Anderson.
“The fact is there is still inequity for Australians with a disability. There isn’t universal accessibility to venues or transport. Those with a disability who want to try a new sport or find a new club don’t always have that chance through no fault of their own.“
It is because our society is still not equipped to cater for all abilities.”
PA president Jock O’Callaghan said they would be guided by the principles of inclusion and diversity.
“Today we begin the next chapter of a quest that started when the first Paralympic Games was staged, in Rome in 1960 – that is, the mission to facilitate fair recognition and opportunities for people who live with a disability,” O’Callaghan said.
“Over the next decade, as we lead into Brisbane 2032, long term benefits will be realised across Australia, including in employment, skills, education, health and wellbeing outcomes, higher sporting participation rates, and in culture and community connection.”
Source: SMH
