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Three-time Paralympic gold medallist Kurt Fearnley said he would be driven by the once-in-a-generation opportunity to affect profound societal change in Australia when he becomes the Paralympic athlete representative on the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee.
The wheelchair racing great and staunch advocate for inclusion, diversity and the rights of people with a disability was voted by Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Commission as their preferred choice for the role from a high calibre field of applicants.
“From an athletes’ perspective, the 2032 Games can be the best in history, I have no doubt about that,” Fearnley said.
“But the transformational effects of an Olympic and Paralympic Games here in Australia can be profound, not just in a sporting context. I can’t think of a greater global showcase of diversity and inclusion than the Paralympic Games.
“The societal change that these Games can bring to Australians over the next decade, including the millions within our disability community, will be one of the biggest motivating factors for me as part of this process.
“Whether they are physical, social, educational, economic or all of the above, the benefits of these Games can set us up for generations to come. It’s an incredible opportunity that I’m so excited to be part of.”
The Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Bill 2021, introduced into Queensland Parliament earlier this week for consideration, outlines the proposed composition of the 2032 Committee with representatives from federal, state and local governments, the Paralympic and Olympic movements and independent directors.
If the Bill passes as expected, one Australian Paralympian would be eligible for a Committee position if they competed at Rio 2016 or Tokyo 2020 and if they were endorsed by PA’s Athlete Commission. Fearnley would join Paralympics Australia President Jock O’Callaghan as key Paralympic voices on the Committee.
Federal Minister for Sport Senator Richard Colbeck said: “The Paralympic element of the Brisbane 2032 Games will be a fundamental measure by which we judge our collective success.
“Since the beginning of our candidature and throughout our engagement with the IOC, the Paralympic Games has been a focal point for our planning and that will only accelerate from here. The appointment of Kurt Fearnley, a Paralympian who is hugely respected, passionate and knowledgeable will ensure that the voices of Paralympic athletes and people with a disability will help shape Brisbane’s Games legacy.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she welcomed Fearnley’s appointment.
“As perhaps Australia’s best known Paralympian, Kurt earned his reputation in the sporting arena as a fierce competitor and deeply proud Australian,” Palaszczuk said.
“But the skills he will bring to the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee run much deeper than that. Kurt is both an analytical and pragmatic thinker who understands business, the media and, of course, elite sport.
“When you put all that together, you have an exceptional representative for our Organising Committee and I have no doubt Kurt’s input will be of enormous assistance as we set about building the foundations for a magnificent Games for Queensland and Australia.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said: “We’re privileged to have someone of Kurt’s knowledge and standing join our Organising Committee for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“We seek to produce nothing less than the best ever Games and Kurt has proven over the years that he pursues excellence in everything he does.
“I look forward to working with Kurt and gaining his unique perspectives on how we can cater for the world’s greatest Paralympians like no host city has done before.”
Paralympics Australia President Jock O’Callaghan thanked PA’s Athlete Commission for its work throughout the nomination and selection process.
“I would like to commend the Paralympians who comprise PA’s Athlete Commission for the way they have conducted themselves throughout this independent process to reach this important decision,” O’Callaghan said.
“Paralympics Australia is proud of our athlete-centric culture and we are delighted that the views of Paralympic athletes will now have a strong advocate on the 2032 Organising Committee as well.”
Annabelle Williams, Chair of Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Commission said Fearnley’s reaction when she informed him of his election filled her with confidence.
“The PA Athlete Commission is proud to have Kurt as our Paralympic athlete representative. He understands the great responsibility that comes with this role,” Williams said.
“He was humbled that his Paralympic peers had chosen him and he expressed to me that he was more than ready to be our lead voice during the pivotal early work of the Committee.”
Making his Paralympic debut during Sydney 2000, Fearnley won 13 Paralympics medals, including three gold, in a career spanning five Paralympic Games.
He was co-captain of the Australian Paralympic Team for Rio 2016 and retired from international competition after his famous wheelchair marathon T54 victory at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in front of an adoring home crowd on the Gold Coast.
The 40-year-old continues to carve a successful career in business, the media and disability advocacy to be regarded as one of Australia’s most influential voices for the power of sport, and particularly Paralympic sport, to affect positive societal change.
“It was a dream come true to compete at my first Paralympic Games in front of a home crowd in 2000. Over the next 20 years, I have seen the Paralympic movement evolve and expand incredibly. There have been major successes of course, but also a range of challenges that continue to this day.
“I think about the young kids with a disability around Australia, who in 10 years time, will be wearing the green and gold in front of a home crowd at a Paralympic Games. I know what they’re thinking and aspiring to. I also know what their families and communities have to sacrifice or overcome between now and then to help get them there. Having experienced the extreme highs and lows along that journey they’re embarking on, I want to now make it as smooth as possible for them.”
Fearnley’s term will conclude at the end of Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Swimmer Bronte Barratt was elected by her peers as the Olympic athlete representative last month. Barratt will finish after the Paris Olympic Games.
By: Paralympics Australia
Posted: 28 October 2021
