An Olympic gold medallist was among the speakers at a Noosa community gathering, focused on the potential benefits of the 2032 Olympics.
Distance swimmer Duncan Armstrong, the winner of the 200m freestyle at the 1988 Games in Seoul, provided some valuable insight at the meeting at Peregian Surf Club in December.
The topic was ‘Olympics 2032, what does it mean for Noosa?’.
Peregian Residents Association president Leigh McCready said attendees garnered plenty of information.
“You could hear a pin drop as we heard from Duncan, who has seen first-hand the benefits hosting the Olympics brings to a community, including to its athletes and volunteers,” she said.
“We were also lucky enough to hear from four-time Olympian and current Noosa Council director of infrastructure services Larry Sengstock and from Andrew Brodie, who as CEO of the Sunshine Coast Airport will enable access and business opportunities to local companies and industries to leverage positive and lasting benefits from the Games.”
The panel was moderated by Peregian Family and Friends founder Ms McCready, who along with Mr Armstrong, sits on the Board of Sunshine Coast 2032, the organisation created to be the voice of the Sunshine Coast community with regards to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“My key takeaways from the panel discussion were that the Sunshine Coast is well positioned to not only benefit greatly from the preparation and investment in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games facilities, but that the community will inherit a long-lasting legacy from increased levels of volunteerism, enthusiasm for sporting participation and community involvement,” she said.
“The expectation from the Olympic Games Organising Committee at this stage is that all the organisations who have some responsibility for the event operate collaboratively and cohesively and have a consistent message to politicians and appointees charged with delivering the Games.
“The panel also discussed what we can do as community members to ensure the Olympic and Paralympic Games are a massive success. We can start by sharing our enthusiasm with those around us including our children, by telling stories, coming together as a community and listening to those around us who have experienced the life-changing impact of being an athlete, employee or volunteer at an Olympic or Paralympic Games.
“Following their involvement in the Sydney 2000 Games, for example, volunteers still get together, wear their shirts and reminisce. That’s how much the Games meant to them. There’s likely to be about 50,000 volunteers for the 2032 Games – what a fantastic story to tell your grandchildren.”
The Sunshine Coast is set to host seven events or preliminary events, including the marathon, basketball, cycling, football (soccer), mountain biking, kiteboarding and race walking.
