Sunshine Coast para athlete believes Olympic Games could deliver ongoing benefits for accessibility
A Sunshine Coast-based Paralympic athlete says an Olympic Games could deliver ongoing benefits for accessibility in the region.
Sunshine Coast
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A Sunshine Coast Paralympian believes people with a disability will be some of the biggest winners if the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games bid is successful.
Dr Bridie Kean, a former wheelchair basketballer, is eagerly awaiting the International Olympic Committee’s decision on the newest host city to be announced on Wednesday evening.
The 34-year-old has lent her expertise to the bid process as a representative Paralympic athlete.
She gave insight on how to deliver accessibility to athletes and spectators.
Dr Kean said she was excited about the ongoing effects of hosting the games.
“I’m really hoping for a good outcome and I’m most excited for how the Paralympic movement can help to change the next generation of Australia,” she said.
“I went to the Sydney Paralympic Games as a teen trying to hide my disability and I came out dreaming of becoming a Paralympic athlete.”
Dr Kean won a bronze medal at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing and a silver medal at the 2012 Paralympics in London.
She is now part of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s teaching and research staff in the field of public health.
Dr Kean said a highlight of being part of the bid team was sharing her experiences as an athlete with a disability.
“I want to ensure that these games have a legacy that trickles through for people with a disability into all aspects of life – education, employment, public transport and access to sport,” she said.
“While we have it good here, it can always be better.”
The Tokyo Olympic Games kick off this week, with the opening ceremony at Tokyo's Olympic Stadium on Friday 23 July.
The Tokyo Paralympic Games begin on August 24.
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