The 2032 Olympics may be 10 years away but the first baton has already been passed.
Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien officially transferred leadership of Sunshine Coast 2032 to well-known businesswoman Roz White.
Sunshine Coast 2032 is a community driven initiative founded by Mr O’Brien which aims to maximise opportunities in the lead up, during and after the Games.
Roz White is co-owner of White’s IGA which has five stores across the Sunshine Coast.
She will be joined by two-time Olympic Swimmer Duncan Armstrong OAM and four-time Paralympic swimmer Brendan Burkett OAM as deputy leads of the taskforce bringing a wealth of sporting experience to the group.
“Roz White knows all about leadership,” said Mr O’Brien. “Roz’s extraordinary business acumen is equally matched by her demonstrable love of community, and that’s what makes her the perfect person to lead Sunshine Coast 2032 as its inaugural Chair.
“Flanked by Olympic champion Duncan Armstrong and Paralympic legend Brendan Burkett, this leadership team also brings first-hand knowledge about what the Games are all about.”
“I led the establishment of Sunshine Coast 2032 with the intention of it being a community owned organisation and it’s with great confidence that I pass the baton to Roz, Duncan and Brendan to now take it forward.”
The announcement comes as 2032 Games organisers prepare to officially begin the 10-year green and gold countdown before South-East Queensland officially hosts the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Ms White said she was looking forward to working with the community to make the most of this once in a life-time opportunity.
“The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is an exciting event with an opportunity to showcase our magnificent region to the world,” Ms White said.
“Sunshine Coast 2032 will connect our community at a grassroots level to bring them on the journey and explore how we can optimise the opportunities an event like this brings.”
With a hard-earnt gold and silver medal to his name from the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Duncan Armstrong says the Coast could take advantage of huge opportunities.
“The Olympic Games have been a major part of my life as an athlete, in the media and representing Australia’s Olympic corporate partners,” Mr Armstrong said.
“I have seen first-hand how the Games can make a huge difference to all parts of the communities that stage them.”
“Only by Sunshine Coasters getting involved will the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games be a success, with the benefits to live on well after the Games are finished.”
“I believe the Sunshine Coast 2032 taskforce will be our community’s voice to translate how they are going to take part in the Games and how the Sunshine Coast region will forever change the Olympic movement.”
Sunshine Coast 2032 will consist of an overarching leadership group and six committees filled by local heavyweights from all sectors of the community to enable wide ongoing engagement.
Administrative support will be provided by Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast which has played an instrumental role in bringing Sunshine Coast 2032 together.
