Brisbane 2032 Games: Sky show to mark ‘9 Years to Go’

A spectacular 500-drone show over Brisbane’s Story Bridge will mark the next phase of the city’s countdown to the 2032 Games.

An artist’s impression of the Olympic Rings and Paralympic Agitos above the Brisbane Story Bridge

A spectacular 500-strong aerial drone show illuminating the iconic symbols of the Olympic and Paralympic Games over Brisbane’s Story Bridge will set the stage for the city’s “9 Years to Go” celebration this month.

The free display, set to be held on July 22, is the first time Australia will have the Olympic Rings and Paralympic Agitos on prominent display since the Sydney 2000 Games.

It will be one of several events in the city marking the major milestone on the road to the 2032 Games.

Brisbane 2032 president Andrew Liveris said that Brisbane and Queensland were now the “official home of the Olympics and Paralympics in Australia”, and now joined a number of Olympic and Paralympic sister cities across the world that had 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,” he said.

“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 and Games Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the milestone date meant Australia was one year closer to a life-changing event that would place our beautiful country at the epicentre of the sporting world.

Brisbane 2032 president Andrew Liveris

“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,” she said.

Spectators are urged to stake their spot early for the 7pm drone show, with the best viewing location set to be from Howard Smith Wharves and other locations with a clear view of the Story Bridge.

Paralympics Australia president Jock O’Callaghan said the presence of the Paralympic Agitos in Queensland was extremely significant.

“Agito, in Latin, means ‘I move’,” he said.

“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.”

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the drone show would not only be a spectacle, but would be a seminal moment in the history of the city.

“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,” he said.

“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.”