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International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons has used his first stop on a three-day visit to Australia to urge the nation to view the Brisbane 2032 Paralympics as a catalyst for enduring progress and change, rather than a final destination.
Mr Parsons’ visit will take in a series of high-level meetings, functions and events, including talks with the Australian and Queensland Governments and Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, as well as attending the Paralympics Australia Annual General Meeting.
In a captivating keynote speech at an event hosted by The University of Queensland, Mr Parsons outlined the legacy of Sydney 2000, the extraordinary growth of the global Paralympic Movement and improvements in Paralympic sport, and the vast opportunities available to Australia by hosting the Paralympics in Brisbane in 2032.
“Like Sydney 2000, I am convinced the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games will be transformational for the Paralympic Movement and persons with disabilities,” Mr Parsons said.
“With regards to the present day, what excites me the most is that Brisbane 2032 and Paralympics Australia start from immense positions of strength.
“The Australian Paralympic Team is the nation’s favourite sports team, achieving the highest ever score for emotional connection of any Australian sports team. The public engages in sport through athletes and many Paralympians – like Ellie Cole, Kurt Fearnley, Madison de Rozario, Curtis McGrath and Vanessa Low – are household names. The fact Dylan Alcott was the 2022 Australian of the Year shows the high regard Paralympians have in this country.
“With seven years to go until the Games, I can assure you that no other host nation or Organising Committee has benefited from this level of visibility for Paralympians. With two years to go until London 2012, less than one percent of the British population could name a Paralympian. This meant we had to work tirelessly in the final two years to engage audiences in what turned out to be highly successful Paralympic Games.
“In terms of Brisbane 2032, no other Organising Committee has had 11 years to prepare for the Games. This long runway has given the main stakeholders involved in Games delivery the breathing room to take a very strategic approach to planning. One thing that really does stand-out is the outstanding collaborative approach the main parties involved in the Games are taking.”
Speaking to an audience that included several Paralympians, including Alcott and fellow gold medallists cyclist Korey Boddington and swimmers Rachael Watson and Lakeisha Patterson, Mr Parsons highlighted the Queensland Government’s 100-day review of the long-term needs for infrastructure to benefit Queensland and the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee’s invitation to global stakeholders to have a say on the Games’ vision as prime examples of useful collaboration.
“The role Paralympics Australia is playing as a Brisbane 2032 delivery partner is also encouraging,” he said.
“The NPC (National Paralympic Committee) has been embedded in the DNA of Brisbane 2032 with representation and close ongoing engagement with the Organising Committee and other Games delivery partners. Paralympic voices are consistently prominent at the decision-making tables for the Brisbane 2032 Games ensuring the stage is set for Para-athletes to excel.”
Mr Parsons finished his stirring address with this call to action: “Make no doubt about it, a successful Games here will make a monumental difference. It’s not often you get chance to change your home city forever, let alone your country or the world. But you have that opportunity before you now. Take it, make the most it.
“By working together to deliver a magnificent Paralympic Games, you will change this country forever, create new sporting heroes and generate greater opportunities for Australia’s 5.5 million people with disabilities.
“With its increasing global profile, the Paralympic Games really can change the world, leading to greater inclusion across all sectors.
“To finish, I will leave you with a line I often hear from stakeholders at the end of each Paralympic Games. It’s a line that frustrates me a lot: ‘I didn’t realise the Paralympic Games were going to be this good and have such an impact. I wish we’d have known earlier, we’d have certainly done more.’
“Well, I’m giving you seven years notice. My recommendation to you is ‘have no regrets’. Do all you can to ensure the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games are the best they can be. Seize the opportunity. Join us on the inclusion revolution.”
By David Sygall, Paralympics Australia.
Published 29 May, 2025.
