Early 2032 Games legacy project to support disability participation in sports

• Early Games legacy project funded to support understanding of disability participation in sports
• With $1 million in Miles Government funding, the Jamieson Trauma Institute research project will analyse opportunities to increase sports participation in Queensland.
• More than 900,000 Queenslanders live with disability, and many face challenges accessing or participating in sports and physical activities.

The Miles Government has taken a significant step toward ensuring the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games leave a lasting impact on disability access and inclusion in sports.

A $1 million investment has been earmarked to the early Games legacy project, "Empower", focusing on breaking down barriers to sports participation for people with disabilities in Queensland.

The Jamieson Trauma Institute, in collaboration with Queenslanders with Disability Network, QUT, The University of Queensland, Griffith University and consumer advocates will spearhead the research initiative.

The project will conduct comprehensive mapping of Queensland’s disability population, providing evidence-based strategies to foster inclusive sports participation. This project aims to inform strategies that will increase participation for people with disability in sport and recreation across the state.

This legacy project, “Empower”, aligns seamlessly with the ambitious goals of Elevate 2042, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Legacy Strategy.

Supported by the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, and all Games Delivery Partners, Elevate 2042 seeks to make Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, and the Oceania region a better place through sport, leveraging the momentum of the 2032 Games to create lasting positive change.

Quotes attributable to Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace:

“Hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games is about making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to leave lasting legacies for our communities.

“The Miles Government is proud to announce this early legacy project that will support research focussed on the increased participation of Queenslanders with disabilities in sports and physical activities.

“Advancing accessibility and empowering people with disability is a foundation of Elevate 2042 that has the vision that we will live in an inclusive, more sustainable and connected society, with more opportunities in life for everyone.”

Quotes attributable to Prof Dr Michael Schuetz – Director, Jamieson Trauma Institute, Metro North Health, Chair of Trauma, QUT

“As we approach the year 2032 and beyond, an opportunity arises to catalyse positive change and reshape the landscape of disability access and inclusion in sports.”

“Our partnership, comprising the Queenslanders with Disability Network, Sporting Wheelies, QUT, The University of Queensland, and Jamieson Trauma Institute, is committed to turning evidence into actionable strategies for inclusive sports participation for Queenslanders with disability.

“We welcome the Queensland Government support for this project and hope we can contribute to a legacy of improved access and inclusion in sports for all Queenslanders with disability.”

Quotes attributable to Michelle Moss CEO – QDN (Queenslanders with Disability Network)

"With a state-wide network of over 2,500 members and supporters, Queenslanders with Disability Network ensures that the voices of those with lived experiences are heard.

“Our collaboration with Jamieson Trauma Institute and other partners means that people with disability are involved in shaping an inclusive and accessible legacy for Queensland”.

Quotes attributable to Matthew Ames – Disability Advocate 

"As a disability advocate, I am thrilled to be part of this partnership and eager to help develop strategies for inclusive sports participation in Queensland.

“It's encouraging to see Brisbane's 2032 Paralympic Games legacy already focusing on creating positive change for people with disabilities by removing barriers to sports participation."

Quotes attributable to Dane Cross, Sporting Wheelies

“Sporting Wheelies is proud to support this transformative initiative aimed at increasing sports participation among people with disabilities. As we look towards Brisbane 2032, we are committed to ensuring that every person, regardless of their ability, has the opportunity to engage in sport and physical activity.

“This project is a critical step towards breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive sporting landscape in Queensland. We are excited to contribute our expertise and resources to help build a lasting legacy that empowers individuals with disabilities to thrive in sport, both leading up to and long after the Games.”

Background:

The Jamieson Trauma Institute, funded by Metro North Health, QUT and MAIC, is a unique collaboration of service partners dedicated to advancing trauma prevention, research, systems, and clinical management, with the ultimate goal of delivering the best possible care to people suffering traumatic injuries across Queensland and Australia.

Media contact: Martin Philip 0407 675 008