Play 32 launches position paper calling to prioritise play in Brisbane 2032 Olympic planning

The Play 32 collective launched their position paper during the International Play Association Asia Pacific Play Conference, held in Melbourne on Thursday 26th June.

The Play 32 collective, a coalition of health, sporting, design, and play organisations, universities, and childhood development groups, is calling on the organisers of Brisbane 2032 to ensure play is a long-lasting legacy of the Olympic Games.

The coalition includes Australian Institute of Play, Design Institute of Australia, Little Athletics QLD, Play Australia, Play Matters Australia, Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership (an initiative of Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth) and University of Southern Queensland.

Play Matters Australia Chief Executive, Penny Creamer noted “play supports brain development, physical health, mental wellbeing, and social skills. It contributes to school readiness, emotional regulation, and lifelong learning; while outdoor play increases physical activity, enhances motor skills, and fosters resilience, curiosity, and problem-solving.

“Play is both the start and the spark of a sporting nation and a child who plays is more likely to be physically active throughout life.”

Chris Davis Chief Executive Little Athletics Queensland shared “play is informal movement. If we can get kids focussed on playing and teaching them movement skills, then that can lead to a lifetime of physical involvement.

“At Little Athletics we are trying to connect informal play with formal sport.”

All athletes begin as children who play, and the Play 32 Collective, says embedding play into policies, planning, and investment strategies will help strengthen Australia’s sporting future, and our communities as a whole.

The group’s position paper states “play should be protected, valued and embedded wherever children live, learn and grow.

“When children play, they make decisions, take risks, solve problems and negotiate meaning.

“Without play, there is no pathway to sport, and without investment in children’s play, we risk missing the most powerful, preventative, and equitable legacy the Games could leave.”

Past Olympic Games have not significantly increased long-term sports participation, and in some cases have seen sports participation decrease.

Brisbane 2032 is a chance to change that by embedding play as the true foundation for an active engaged life.

The position paper notes “embedding play in Olympic and Paralympic legacy planning means listening to children and including them in designing the future.”

Dr Geoff Woolcock, from the University of Southern Queensland’s Institute for Resilient Regions advised “the core challenge is that not all children have equal access to play. The Olympic and Paralympic implementation offers a key opportunity to ensure this happens.

“Playable cities, towns and regions must be embedded in planning, transport design, and infrastructure delivery to ensure the wellbeing of our young people, the strength of our communities, and environmental sustainability through nature-based experiences.”

Play 32 Collective is calling on Governments at all levels, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee, and community leaders across Australia to champion play as a legacy priority.

The position paper emphasises “this is our chance to do something bigger than sport. Let’s make Brisbane 2032 a Games that honours every child’s right to play – and leaves a legacy of wellbeing, belonging, and bold ambition for the generations who follow.”

Access the Play32 Position Paper