Brisbane 2032 Olympics: Games chiefs launch campaign

It’s taken years of infighting, flip-flopping and venue roulette but Brisbane 2032 is finally moving forward, and the Olympic top brass couldn’t be more relieved.

John Coates, Ian Chesterman, Mikaela Cojuangco-Jaworski, Kirsty Coventry, Victoria Belando Nicholson, Maggie Grey, Korey Boddington, Anna Meares, Thomas Bach and Andrew Liveris at Brisbane’s Victoria Park. Picture: Richard Walker

It’s taken years of infighting, flip-flopping and venue roulette but Brisbane 2032 is finally moving forward, and the Olympic top brass couldn’t be more relieved.

With just seven years until the flame is lit, Games chiefs and international sporting powerbrokers are touring Brisbane to launch a campaign asking Australians to start focusing on what matters – showcasing Queensland.

At the heart of this push is a national survey inviting Australians to help shape the official Brisbane 2032 “Games Vision” — what excites them, what matters most, and how the event should represent the country to the world.

COMPLETE THE BRISBANE 2032 SURVEY HERE

Brisbane 2032 president Andrew Liveris said the results of the short online survey would guide Games planning at every level over the next seven years.

“We want to make sure every Australian has their say,” he said.

“Put our people on display — our personality, our exuberance, our passion, our love for sport and for living here.”

He said the goal was to channel the same spirit captured in previous Olympic slogans — Paris’s “Sport can change lives,” Tokyo’s “Sport has the power to change the world,” and LA’s “Together we create the future.”

The push to unite Australians behind a clear Games identity comes after years of tension over venue choices, particularly whether to rebuild the Gabba or opt for a new stadium closer to the city.

From Bluey-inspired mascots to a homegrown heartland vibe, the message is clear: Queensland should be itself.

IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry, who has been staying in Fortitude Valley this week, said Queenslanders exuded warmth and openness, with Brisbane remaining a city with a “hometown” feel.

“I think that’s really unique,” she said.

“Brisbane is growing so rapidly … but it still feels small, and it still feels like a hometown and I think that when you’re welcoming the world in a few years’ time, people want to feel like they’re home away from home — you guys do that so well.”

Ms Coventry said the proximity of the key venues to the city centre would also be one of Brisbane’s greatest assets.

“We’re still waiting to see all the final designs and reviews, but the closeness to downtown, the closeness to some of the other venues — that really will become the heartbeat of the Olympic Games,” she said.

Australian Olympic Committee President Ian Chesterman agreed that excitement was finally building after years of uncertainty and gave full backing to the decision to build a new stadium near the city centre.

“What I’m picking up is a really positive vibe now about the Games, which is really important, we’ve got over some of the difficult issues,” he said.

“What we would really love to see is Australians fall more in love with the Olympic Games than ever before.”

“I think it’s fantastic to have a stadium which is close to the city centre, and clearly, Queensland — Brisbane — needed a new stadium for the sports that will use it long term.”

The IOC and AOC have been meeting with the state government this week as Infrastructure Minister Jarrod Bleijie rolled out consultation for the Gabba Arena site.

But Outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach warned that Brisbane needed to forget the glitz and glamour and focus on the athletes.

“Concentrate on the athletes, and put the athletes at the heart of the games, and then it will be great games and then it will be great games with sports loving people of Australia,” he said.

“I have no doubt that it will be unique.”

COMPLETE THE BRISBANE 2032 SURVEY HERE

AOC honorary life president John Coates said after speaking with the government, he was impressed with Queensland’s focus on sport access and participation in the regions where several Olympic events will be hosted.

“This is very, very different Australia, and this is the most different part of Australia to what our European friends are used to,” he said.

“They’re very excited about coming here.”

Four-time Olympian Anna Meares said the Games would be about more than elite sport, they would build community.

“It’s about community, it’s about connection, it’s about welcoming the world in and showcasing who we are and what we have to offer,” she said.

Her sentiment was echoed by Brisbane 2032 co-ordination commission chair Mikaela Cojuangco-Jaworski who said it was “always about the people”.

Platform diving Junior World Champion Maggie Grey, 14 and Para swimming championships medallist Victoria Belando Nicholson, 16, are keen to promote their sports and compete in front of their friends and family.

“Even just like going to training and watching everything get built for the Olympics, just like, wow,” Ms Grey said.

“Everyone should just give it a go, especially us Paralympic athletes … I think we should encourage each other and get everyone involved,” Belando Nicholson said.

Paralympic gold medallist Korey Boddington said the Games would help inspire the next generation of athletes and shine a light on Paralympians.

“I hope it’s going to leave a legacy behind and just motivate people to show them what they can do if they give their all,” he said.

“Being in my own country, my own state, my own home, seeing everyone — my friends and family — being able to come and watch, that’s going to be awesome.

“I hope it brings everyone together and unites us all.”

COMPLETE THE BRISBANE 2032 SURVEY HERE

Originally published as Brisbane 2032 Olympics: Games chiefs launch campaign