Australian Paralympic Team Co-Captain Appointed To Brisbane 2032 Board 

Seven-time Paralympian Angie Ballard has been appointed to the Board of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee.  

Ms Ballard’s first official Brisbane 2032 Board meeting will take place in the new year. She will replace Kurt Fearnley, who is set to continue as a member of Brisbane 2032’s Athletes and Sport Advisory Group. 

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tim Mander, said: “Angela Ballard is an Australian legend and I know she’ll continue her journey as a highly respected advocate for Para-sport in her new role. 

“Winning eight medals for Australia is a reflection of her determination and hard work, and it’s these attributes that will serve her well in delivering a fantastic Paralympic Games in 2032. 

“I would also like to thank Kurt Fearnley for his contributions in the role for more than three years, and I wish him well with his continued position on the Board’s Athletes and Sport Advisory Group.” 

Ms Ballard made her Paralympic Games debut at Sydney 2000 and in subsequent years established herself as a powerhouse in short- and middle-distance wheelchair racing. Her best performance was at London 2012, where she won two silver medals, in the 200m and 400m T53, as well as bronze in the 100m. She claimed five world championship gold medals and three medals at the Commonwealth Games.  

Ms Ballard was co-captain of the Australian Paralympic Team at the Paris 2024 Games. She has an Honours degree in Psychology and is a strong advocate for Para-sport, inclusion and diversity.  

“On behalf of the entire Australian Paralympic Movement, congratulations to Angie on her appointment to the Brisbane 2032 Board, where we know she will do a fantastic job,” said Paralympics Australia President and Brisbane 2032 Board director Grant Mizens.  

“Angie has shown immense discipline and determination across a distinguished career representing Australia on the track. At the same time, she has become an outstanding mentor and spokesperson for inclusion and the rights of people with a disability in sport and in society more broadly.  

“Brisbane 2032 is a unique opportunity for Australia to use the power of Paralympic sport to progress towards greater equity and fairness in our communities and we’re excited to see Angie work alongside our Board colleagues to achieve these goals.  

“We also sincerely thank Kurt for his great contribution to the Board as a director and his ongoing outstanding commitment to Para-sport.” 

Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris praised Mr Fearnley and welcomed Ms Ballard. 

“Kurt is an inspirational motivator no matter the audience or cause,” Mr Liveris said. 

“When he talks, people listen and take action, and our Board is incredibly grateful to have had him serve as part of it. 

“As Kurt leaves the Board, I’m delighted to welcome Angie, whose record speaks for itself amongst the Paralympic community. 

“We are firmly focused on ensuring inclusion and access is universally part of our Games and I have no doubt Angie will play a significant role as part of our decisions.” 

By: David Sygall, Paralympics Australia and Brisbane 2032

Published: 10 December 2025