Credit: volleyballaustralia.org.au
Bangkok, Thailand, February 25, 2021 – Volleyball Australia welcomed the news released today that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will enter into “Targeted Dialogue” with the Brisbane, Queensland candidature to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The decision, which was taken at the IOC Executive Board Meeting today, confers “preferred host” status to the Queensland bid which has the support of the Federal Government, Queensland Government, the Council of Mayors, South East Queensland, Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia.
VA President and AOC Board Member Craig Carracher said today’s news is a significant step closer to securing a home Olympic Games.
“There are champions on our sporting fields, and then there are champions off the field who forge opportunity and create the platform for greatness.
Their achievements sit alongside those of the gold medallists we honour and respect as they inspire another generation of athletes, administrators, coaches and officials.
“While the AOC has made it clear there is still considerable work to be done to secure the Olympic Games for 2032, today’s news is very positive for Olympic sports and sports fans in Australia.”
Volleyball Australia CEO Andrew Dee reflected on how important this announcement is for all Australian Olympic sports.
“A home Olympic Games means so much more than just hosting a two-week sporting event, it would realise much needed investment in high performance sport and sports infrastructure and create a legacy that will last for decades.
“In preparing for the Games we must ensure the national funding model supports each discipline of every sport on the program so that all Australian athletes can aspire to standing on the podium in 2032 in front of their home crowd.
“With a potential 10-year runway into the Games, we would also see Australia as the major destination for international events as it was prior to 2000.”
Sydney 2000 Olympic Beach Volleyball gold medalist Natalie Cook told the Courier Mail that hosting the Games was more than being just about athletes and their competitions.
“The Olympics will touch every single industry, from hospitality to retail to tourism, even to the production of the Olympic medals, which will be made from our minerals in the earth,” she said.
“It will impact the artists, the dancers, the singers, technology…what we’re about to see is a decade of opportunity that will put the global spotlight on Australia, not only our COVID response but the possibility to bring hope to the world.”
Volleyball Australia already enjoys a close working relationship with the Queensland Government through Tourism Events Queensland and the Queensland Academy of Sport.
“We look forward to the opportunity of working with our friends in Brisbane and the Gold Coast to fully realise the opportunities this exciting announcement presents,” Dee said.
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