Brisbane celebrates 7 years till the Olympic and Paralympic Games

With simply seven years to go till the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, communities throughout south-east Queensland got here collectively to rejoice this thrilling milestone. Games leaders, Olympians, Paralympians, and native residents joined in festivities as anticipation builds in direction of the Games.

At the RNA Showgrounds — proposed web site of the longer term Brisbane Athletes’ Village — over 300 main faculty college students from throughout Brisbane gathered for a morning of sport and celebration. The college students participated in a variety of Olympic and Paralympic sports activities, together with soccer, area hockey, athletics, goalball, and sitting volleyball.

Track bike owner Kristina Clonan mentioned her Paris Olympic expertise opened her eyes to the chance Brisbane 2032 will give to Australia.

“I hadn’t truly understood the magnitude of the Olympics until I competed in Paris,” Clonan mentioned. “Even though I’d dreamt of this since I was little, it’s only when you’re in the stadium, hear the crowd and feel what it’s like to be at an Olympic Games, that it truly sunk in – we’re going to have this in Brisbane, this is unreal.

“The crowds were unbelievable, especially when a French rider was competing, I know the Aussie crowds in 2032 will be absolutely wild.”

Triple Olympian Kookaburra Matthew Wells skilled Australia’s final house Games, profitable bronze at Sydney 2000 earlier than occurring to gold at Athens 2004 and one other bronze at Beijing 2008.

“Seven years before Sydney 2000, I was competing at the under 15 national titles, it was the first time I realised that maybe I can make it with the best in the country,” Wells mentioned. “To compete at a home Games in 2000 was incredible. The atmosphere was amazing, we had packed stands every game and so many fans wanting to say hi, get an autograph and cheer us on.

“There will be so many young Australians out there now playing sport at a community level or in sporting pathways who could represent us in seven years’ time and make their own history. The build up to Brisbane 2032 will offer great exposure and a chance to grow the sport, to get more people having a go and getting active.”