BRISBANE, 23 July 2023: Thousands of people have attended more than 30 community celebrations across South East Queensland to mark the 9 Years to Go to Brisbane 2032 milestone, with the Olympic Rings and Paralympic Agitos now officially calling Brisbane, Queensland their new Australian home.
Large-scale Olympic Rings and Paralympics Agitos have been on display across iconic locations in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast throughout the weekend, with local celebrations planned to welcome the Rings and Agitos – the first time both symbols have been on prominent display in Australia since the Sydney 2000 Games.
Local communities are encouraged to visit the Rings and Agitos and capture their own piece of history with a photo, with many of the sites also hosting sporting activations for people to take part in.
Brisbane 2032 President, Andrew Liveris AO said, “This is an historic occasion, with the Olympic Rings and Paralympic Agitos back in Australia for the first time in more than 20 years and making their new home in Brisbane, Queensland.
“The Rings and Agitos are a symbolic reminder that Brisbane has become an Olympic and Paralympic city of the world, alongside LA, Paris, London and so many others.
“Annual milestones remind us of the journey we are on to deliver climate friendly world-class Games, employing sport to spark patriotic pride, celebrate inclusion, and inspire a better way of living the world over.”
Premier of Queensland and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk MP
“We have achieved a lot in the past two years, and we will achieve a lot more in the next nine.
“Being an Olympic and Paralympic City and State will be the biggest single catalyst for change this century.
“The world is going to discover all the things we love about Queensland and Queensland will be the winner.”
Australian Minister for Sport and Aged Care, the Hon. Anika Wells MP
“9 Years To Go is another important milestone on the Green and Gold runway and this weekend’s events again place community engagement at the forefront of our path to Brisbane 2032.
“Australia is one year closer to a life-changing celebration that will place our beautiful country as the epicentre of the sporting world and leave a tangible legacy for Queensland and Australia.”
“With only nine years to go, momentum is slowly building, and I encourage residents to view the Rings and Agitos up close and to also come and witness some Games sports being played across the coast in celebration this weekend.
“From beach volleyball at Kurrawa Beach, BMX at Pizzey Park and basketball and wheelchair basketball at the Gold Coast Sport and Leisure Centre, come and see why we are a frontrunner when it comes to Olympic and Paralympic standard venues.”
Further information on all of the Rings and Agitos locations and activities taking place can be found on local Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Council websites and at www.olympics.com/brisbane2032.
