Paralympic Leader Challenges Brisbane 2032

International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons challenged the organizers of the 2032 Paralympic Summer Games in Brisbane by highlighting a sporting rivalry between the future hosts with a previous Paralympic host, Sydney.

“Without doubt, the year 2000 was a gamechanger and provided the foundations from which we could advance the Paralympic Games and wider Paralympic movement,” Parsons told a gathering in Brisbane on Wednesday. “After the tremendous success of Barcelona 1992, and the troublesome experiences of Atlanta 1996, the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games got the Paralympic movement back on track with a sensational showcase of sport.”

Parsons’ visit to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic host city Wednesday coincided with the start of the traditional rugby league grudge match that is the Origin series, one of the biggest annual fixtures on Australia’s sports calendar. Sydney is the capital of New South Wales state. Brisbane is the capital of Queensland state.

Brisbane was awarded the 2032 Games in 2021 but only recently did a new state government finalized the venue plans.

“We are really encouraged that accessibility and legacy is at the heart of the government’s infrastructure plan. The commitment to deliver fully accessible venues and improved transport infrastructure is commendable and will greatly benefit Queenslanders and international visitors for generations to come,” Parsons said.

Parsons, speaking at the University of Queensland, praised Australia’s Paralympic legacy and the planning already underway. He commended the record federal funding made available for Para sport, double what was previously invested, and Paralympics Australia’s ambitious goal to top the 2032 medal table, a feat last achieved in 2000.

“We have a fantastic opportunity to deliver an extraordinary event that can, and will, change the world, acting as a catalyst to advance the lives of the world’s 1.3 billion persons with disabilities,” Parsons said. “With its increasing global profile, the Paralympic Games really can change the world leading to greater inclusion across all sectors.”

Parsons also spoke of his desire to use the Brisbane 2032 Games to improve infrastructure.

“The Paralympic Games are a catalyst to removing barriers in the host city and country, benefitting the whole of society,” he said. “They create impact that is unlike any other sport event on the planet.”