The Olympic Rings (Rings) and Paralympic Agitos (Agitos) will receive a warm welcome in Brisbane and South-East Queensland this month, as they make their debut in Queensland.
The debut will mark the first time since Sydney 2000 that the Rings and Agitos will be on prominent display in Australia ahead of Brisbane 2032.
The Rings and Agitos will be unveiled in Brisbane and South East Queensland over the weekend of 22 and 23 July, marking ‘9 Years To Go’ to the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony on 23 July 2032.
A series of activities and sporting activations involving Olympic and Paralympic athletes are planned across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast to mark the occasion, with communities encouraged to celebrate the milestone together.
Celebrations will culminate in a spectacular drone show on Saturday night (22 July) that will light up the Brisbane skyline above the Story Bridge and Brisbane River. The show will consist of 500 environmentally efficient drones illuminating the Rings and Agitos in the night sky, in addition to Games linked imagery.
Communities are invited to mark the occasion and festivities by attending any of the events listed online.
The drone show will commence at approximately 7:00pm, with crowds urged to stake their spot early. The best viewing location will be from Howard Smith Wharves and other locations with a clear view of the Story Bridge.
Quotes from Leaders of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games:
Brisbane 2032 President, Andrew Liveris AO
“Brisbane and Queensland are now the official home of the Olympics and Paralympics in Australia, joining a number of Olympic and Paralympic sister-cities across the world who have made history hosting the Games.
“What better way to celebrate 9 Years To Go than inviting the whole community to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime moment, where people can ‘meet’ the Olympic Rings and Paralympic Agitos first-hand.
“We’ll also celebrate with a variety of sports for people to try across south east Queensland as well, ensuring our love for sport and its benefits remain at the heart of our planning and purpose.”
Premier of Queensland and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk MP
“These celebrations give us just a taste of what’s to come in 2032.
“Imagine the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic and Paralympic Games with thousands of Queenslanders lining the Brisbane River.
“The world is going to discover everything we love about where we live, and we will be able to take part in the biggest events on the planet happening in our own back yard.”
Australian Minister for Sport and Aged Care, the Hon. Anika Wells MP
“Australia is one year closer to a life-changing event that will place our beautiful country as the epicentre of the sporting world.
“Our 9 Years To Go event again places community engagement with Brisbane 2032 at the forefront as this will be a Games for the people of Brisbane, Queensland and Australia.”
Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Cr Adrian Schrinner
“The arrival of the Olympic Rings and Paralympic Agitos is such an important milestone on our journey to 2032.
“While the Story Bridge drone show doesn’t go for long, it’s going to be an incredible spectacle as well as a seminal moment in the history of our city and I encourage residents to come and watch.
“These Games aren’t just about four weeks of sports, they’re an opportunity of a lifetime for our city, our region and our state.
“Celebrating 9 Years To Go recognises all the hard work to secure the Games as well as the journey we’re on to ensure hosting the world’s biggest sporting event benefits all residents.”
Australian Olympic Committee President, Ian Chesterman
“While the athletes of today are focused on qualifying for and competing at Paris 2024 next year, the athletes of tomorrow can be inspired by the arrival of the Rings in Queensland. That’s a milestone worth celebrating.
“We want the Olympics to galvanise and motivate all Australians to achieve their dreams, no matter what they are right across the county. The presence of the Rings is a powerful symbol of that ambition.”
Paralympics Australia President, Jock O’Callaghan
“The presence of the Paralympic Agitos in Queensland is extremely significant, especially for the athletes who aspire to represent Australia on home soil in 2032.
“Agito, in Latin, means ‘I move’. The Paralympic Agitos, which circle a central point, symbolise the power of the Paralympic Movement to bring together people from around the world and indicate the determination of Paralympic athletes to always move forward, to always progress.
“It’s a fitting symbolism for the 9 Years To Go celebration, which is an exciting opportunity for Queenslanders and all Australians to unite as we count down towards Brisbane 2032.”
Mayor of the Gold Coast, Cr Tom Tate
“With only 9 Years To Go, the Gold Coast will celebrate the Olympic spirit over 22 and 23 July, with events across the city to showcase our world-class facilities as we sprint towards the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“From beach volleyball at Kurrawa Beach, BMX at Pizzey Park and basketball and wheelchair basketball at the Gold Coast Sport and Leisure Centre, come and see for yourself why we are a frontrunner when it comes to Olympic and Paralympic standard venues – you’ll even get a sneak peek of the famous Olympic Rings and Paralympic Agitos.”
Mayor of the Sunshine Coast, Cr Mark Jamieson
“In nine years, when the world tunes in to watch the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Sunshine Coast’s picturesque Alexandra Headland will be front and centre as the proposed location for a number of events including the start and finish line of the Olympic and Paralympic Marathon. So, it’s only fitting that this is the first stop for the Olympic Rings and Paralympic Agitos when they come to our region on July 22 and 23 to mark ‘9 Years To Go’.”
“This is a truly historic opportunity for our Sunshine Coast community to ‘meet’ the Rings and Agitos as they move from Alex Skate Park to Coolum Football Club, then out to North Arm the home of Sunshine Coast Riding for the Disabled. Their final destination will be the Nambour Showgrounds on 23 July.”
By: Brisbane 2032
Posted: 11 July 2023
Image: Artist’s impression supplied by Brisbane 2032
