Olympic Games CEO Cindy Hook reveals why 2032 event will be different from others

Olympic Games committee CEO Cindy Hook has revealed why the 2032 event in Queensland will be different from its predecessors. Here’s what she said.

THE boss of the 2032 Olympic Games organising committee hopes it will be its most inclusive in history.

Destination Gold Coast’s (DGC) Rachel Hancock lead a Q&A with International Women’s Day event panellists at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday; Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee CEO Cindy Hook, Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan, 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards Young Achiever Amy Gash, and 2021 Queensland Australian of the Year and Disability Advocate Doctor Dinesh Palipana OAM.

Ms Hook spoke at the International Womens Day function at Gold Coast Convention Centre. Picture Glenn Hampson

Ms Hook told the crowd she “loves a challenge”.

“I’m excited to create an amazing experience for the athletes, para-athletes and spectators – there’s tremendous opportunity, through the Games, to put Queensland on the global map,” she said.

International Womens Day function at Gold Coast Convention Centre. Destination Gold Coast Head of Stakeholders and Strategy Rachel Hancock, 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards Young Achiever Amy Gash, 2021 Queensland Australian of the Year and Disability Advocate Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM, 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games organising committee CEO Cindy Hook and Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan. Picture Glenn Hampson

“It will create jobs, investment and tourism opportunities for decades.”

Ms Hancock said the city’s 2018 Commonwealth Games left a huge legacy, asking Ms Hook what Coasters could do to back in the Olympics.

The Games CEO advised locals to “keep positive and creative” in the 10-year lead up.

“(The Commonwealth Games) was the first gender-neutral Games ever. There were as many female athletes as male,” Ms Hook said.

“Paris 2024 will be the first time that’s happened in an Olympic Games and I hope the Brisbane 2032 Games are the most inclusive.

“Not just for gender, but for disabilities and leveraging the Paralympic brand, First Nations people, LGBTQIA+, to create a more equal and accessible society.”

Asked about her career, Ms Hook said: “I had a 36-year career in business. When I made partner in 1998, only five per cent of the partners were women. I’ve never let being a woman define me, I just got on with it.”

Originally published as Olympic Games CEO Cindy Hook reveals why 2032 event will be different from others