International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons visits Brisbane for keynote address

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President, Andrew Parsons has arrived in Brisbane to deliver a keynote address to Brisbane 2032 Games stakeholders and the broader community, focused on the multitude of opportunities that hosting the Paralympic Games in 2032 will bring.

He was welcomed by the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee (Brisbane 2032) President, Andrew Liveris AO and Paralympics Australia (PA) President, Alison Creagh AM CSC.

Parsons trip follows the International Olympic Committee’s President and President Elect’s visit to Brisbane last week, with a series of Paralympic Games updates confirmed as part of the visit.

Parsons said he was happy to be back in Brisbane two years after his previous visit and with significant progress having been made on the path to 2032.

Parsons noted “with the 25th anniversary of the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games approaching later this year, it’s fantastic to be back in Australia to meet with multiple stakeholders who are working diligently on organising what will be a spectacular Paralympic Games in 2032.

“The Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games were a game-changer for the whole Paralympic Movement and so far, I have been greatly impressed by the work that is going into the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games by all Games Delivery Partners.

“The Paralympic Games are the world’s most transformational sport event, the Games really are an opportunity to change Australia, Oceania and the wider world forever. The next few days are all about seeing where stakeholders are at with their planning and preparations and for me to clearly communicate how the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games can be a catalyst for a more inclusive future.”

Brisbane 2032 President, Andrew Liveris said he was delighted that President Andrew Parsons was visiting Brisbane, providing an opportunity to update him on a range of plans.

“Brisbane 2032 has made significant progress alongside Games Delivery Partners since President Andrew Parsons was last in Brisbane, including a Paralympic and accessibility focus as part of the Queensland Government’s 2032 Delivery Plan announcement in March,” Liveris added.

“I was fortunate to spend time with our Australian Paralympic Team in Paris last year as they made our nation proud and put on a brilliant display of athleticism. My focus is to ensure we keep Para athletes and those across Paralympic communities central to our conversations and preparations in the lead up to our home Games in 2032 and I’m grateful the IPC President is in Brisbane as we reiterate this message.”

Paralympics Australia President, Alison Creagh said the visit would be a two-fold opportunity for Parsons to connect with the Paralympic community in Brisbane and Sydney and shared “It’s a privilege to welcome IPC President Andrew Parsons back to Australia. His visit reaffirms the critical role that close and continual collaboration plays in delivering the Paralympic Games in 2032.

“We know a defining measure of success for Brisbane 2032 will be the legacy it creates for people with disability across Australia, Oceania and the world. That’s why PA continues to emphasise the importance of accessibility and inclusion in all facets of Brisbane 2032 - not just in venues and other infrastructure within the host city, but within our leaders and our communities. This is our opportunity to set a benchmark for the world to follow and create meaningful, lasting change.

“Paralympics Australia is proud of the strong and productive partnership we have with both the IPC and Brisbane 2032. Together, with the leadership of Andrew Parsons and Andrew Liveris, we are united by a shared vision - to deliver the most inclusive, impactful and truly world-leading Paralympic Games in history.”

The Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games will take place between 24th August – 5th September 2032, with more than 4,300 Para athletes from over 165 nations competing across 22 sports.