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Para-sport leaders from across the country assembled last week for their final face-to-face Paris Paralympics Planning Workshop, where experts from Paralympics Australia provided extensive information about Games preparation and delivery.
Nearly 100 coaches, program managers and high performance staff heard presentations about a wide range of Paris 2024 logistics, including international travel, local transport and venues. There were briefings on broadcast and media, team uniform, physical and mental health, nutrition, team security and more.
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The two-day conference was attended by Paralympics Australia President Alison Creagh and Vice President Grant Mizens. Special guest Stirling Hinchliffe, the Queensland Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport, helped launch day two of the Workshop with a rallying call for collaboration on the road to the Brisbane 2032 Paralympics to create a powerful legacy in sport and society.
That was followed by a fascinating interactive discussion where attendees pooled knowledge to inform Minister Hinchliffe and his team how they can prepare Brisbane 2032 to be the most accessible and successful Paralympics.
“We’re very grateful to Minister Hinchliffe and his team for joining us at our Workshop,” Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Catherine Clark said.
“The immediate focus for us is Paris 2024, which promises to be a fantastic event. But it’s pleasing to see such a high level of proactivity and open mindedness around how we can use the power of the Paralympics to leave a positive social legacy.”
Representatives from all Paralympic sports attended the Workshop on the Gold Coast. Para-powerlifting head coach Simon Bergner said the briefings offered “a good indication of what we’ll be walking into in Paris”.
“There’s been a wide range of information but it’s also been really good to be in the same room as all the other coaches and being able to discuss with them what their preparations look like,” Bergner said.
“It gives us ideas about how we can improve our program over the next few months before the Games.”
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Para-table tennis head coach Alois Rosario said, for him, the Paris Workshop was primarily about connection.
“The information is great, but being together here enables us to broaden our networks. When we get to Paris all of these people will be familiar, which makes such a big difference when you’re on the ground and in a stressful situation. You’re seeing familiar faces, you know what people can do for you and also how you can help them. It’s a great opportunity to build camaraderie.”
At one stage during day two, Australian Paralympic Team Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin told the room she was amazed by the expertise of the Paralympics Australia team.
“A huge amount of work goes into ensuring our athletes and sports are prepared in the best way possible and have everything they need to succeed,” McLoughlin said. “When we have a gathering like this, it’s a great reminder that we have the best people in their field helping our athletes get the most out of themselves and enjoy the experience of competing at the Paralympics.
“This is where our culture is continually developed. The strength of the team behind the team is crucial in providing the foundation of a successful campaign.”
By: David Sygall, Paralympics Australia
Posted: 23 October 2023
