YouFor2032: Hunt for young Olympic talent hits Palm Island

Athletic kids on Palm Island were put through a series of physical tests when the Queensland Academy of Sport recently paid a visit to uncover hidden talent in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.

The Queensland Academy of Sport visited Palm Island this month as part of the YouFor2032 talent search program, scouting hopeful young sporting talent in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Athletic kids on Palm Island were put through a series of physical tests when the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) visited to uncover hidden talents in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.

The YouFor2032 team arrived on the island on May 7 and hosted an afternoon of activities designed to discover the next generation of sporting stars.

Kids as young as six were put through their paces, testing their running speeds, vertical jumps, and upper body strength with push-ups and pull-ups.

The Queensland Academy of Sport visited Palm Island this month as part of the YouFor2032 talent search program, scouting hopeful young sporting talent in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic games.

Acting Senior Constable Maya Fellows, who has seen the athletic potential of local kids since relocating to Palm Island last year, organised the visit.

“I wanted to help them become the best version of themselves,” she said.

“The kids love coming to PCYC and sport is such a big part of what they do and how they spend their time. They have been really enthusiastic and are keen to know who the fastest runner on the island is.

“It’s really inspiring them that they could be an Olympian or Paralympian.”

The Queensland Academy of Sport visited Palm Island this month as part of the YouFor2032 talent search program, scouting hopeful young sporting talent in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic games.

Alex Roberts, QAS talent identification and development lead, emphasised the program’s goal of identifying and nurturing potential athletes.

“We don’t test for specific sports,” Roberts said.

“Instead, we look for natural abilities that can be developed into Olympic-level skills. The YouFor2032 program ensures every young athlete in Queensland has the chance to be seen and nurtured, regardless of financial or geographical barriers.”

The YouFor2032 program, running since 2022, has already visited other regional communities, such as Thursday Island, Yarrabah, and Cherbourg, with promising results.

Around 50 children participated in the activities at the local PCYC over three hours.

While it’s too early to identify any standout athletes, Roberts hinted at a return visit later in the year, keeping the Olympic dreams alive for Palm Island’s young hopefuls.

Originally published as YouFor2032: Hunt for young Olympic talent hits Palm Island