Latest news with #Sydney2000
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Paralympic chief challenges Brisbane 2032 organizers to top the success of Sydney
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — There was no better day to urge the people of Brisbane to do better than the benchmarks Sydney set for the Paralympics. International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons' visit to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic host city Wednesday coincided with the start of the annual rugby league grudge match that is the State of Origin series. 'Without doubt, the year 2000 was a gamechanger and provided the foundations from which we could advance the Paralympic Games and wider Paralympic movement,' Parsons told a gathering at a Brisbane riverside restaurant, hyping Sydney's overwhelming success in staging the Olympics and Paralympics almost 25 years ago. 'After the tremendous success of Barcelona 1992, and the troublesome experiences of Atlanta 1996, the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games got the Paralympic movement back on track with a sensational showcase of sport.' Challenge set Sydney is the capital of New South Wales state. Brisbane, capital of Queensland state, has another seven years to prepare and improve on that Games legacy. The sporting rivalry between the neighboring eastern Australian states is intense, with the three-match Origin series highlighting the Queensland desire to upstage big sister, Sydney. Brisbane was awarded the 2032 Games in 2021 but it took more than 1,340 days before a new state government finalized the venue plans that center around a new main stadium and aquatics venue built in a downtown parkland precinct. What Sydney did to raise the profile of athletes, ticket sales and broadcast audiences for the Paralympics, Brisbane organizers aim to do in terms of setting new benchmarks for accessibility in the design of venues, buildings and transport. 'You've got to get to a point as a global look at accessibility, in other words people with disabilities, as being standard in the design. As First Nations, and including their culture, as standard in what we do. Environment, and certification of buildings and treating the environment well, as standard," Andrew Liveris, president of the Brisbane 2032 organizing committee, said. 'We're not there (yet), but we can set that standard. We will be, as an Olympic and Paralympic Games, the standard bearer." With the start of venue construction and the finalizing of the sports program not expected until late next year, Liveris said there's time to ensure the end results are accounted for in the planning. A big ticket item Parsons said Sydney was the first Paralympics to sell tickets — 1.2 million were sold and Australia topped the medal standings. It launched a new era for the Games. There were 2.5 million tickets sold for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, where 4,400 Para athletes competed and 168 national Paralympic Committees sent teams. 'In terms of ticket sales, the Paralympic Games are now the world's third biggest sport event with only the Olympic Games and men's FIFA World Cup selling more,' Parsons said, adding that Paralympic-related internet searches 'broke the 1 billion barrier.' 'The main driver for the increasing global appeal of the Paralympic Games is the constantly improving quality of sport, level and depth of competition, and the performances of Para athletes,' Parsons said. 'Progress in the last 25 years has been emphatic.' Based on his past visits and his knowledge of planning already, Parsons said Brisbane is 'starting from a position of strength definitely in terms of accessibility." 'But you can always improve," he added. 'We cannot be satisfied until we have 100% of everything accessible, and I'm absolutely sure that this is the objective here.' ___ AP Olympics at John Pye, The Associated Press
The Independent
28-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Paralympic chief challenges Brisbane 2032 organizers to top the success of Sydney
There was no better day to urge the people of Brisbane to do better than the benchmarks Sydney set for the Paralympics. International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons' visit to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic host city Wednesday coincided with the start of the annual rugby league grudge match that is the State of Origin series. 'Without doubt, the year 2000 was a gamechanger and provided the foundations from which we could advance the Paralympic Games and wider Paralympic movement,' Parsons told a gathering at a Brisbane riverside restaurant, hyping Sydney's overwhelming success in staging the Olympics and Paralympics almost 25 years ago. 'After the tremendous success of Barcelona 1992, and the troublesome experiences of Atlanta 1996, the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games got the Paralympic movement back on track with a sensational showcase of sport.' Challenge set Sydney is the capital of New South Wales state. Brisbane, capital of Queensland state, has another seven years to prepare and improve on that Games legacy. The sporting rivalry between the neighboring eastern Australian states is intense, with the three-match Origin series highlighting the Queensland desire to upstage big sister, Sydney. Brisbane was awarded the 2032 Games in 2021 but it took more than 1,340 days before a new state government finalized the venue plans that center around a new main stadium and aquatics venue built in a downtown parkland precinct. What Sydney did to raise the profile of athletes, ticket sales and broadcast audiences for the Paralympics, Brisbane organizers aim to do in terms of setting new benchmarks for accessibility in the design of venues, buildings and transport. 'You've got to get to a point as a global look at accessibility, in other words people with disabilities, as being standard in the design. As First Nations, and including their culture, as standard in what we do. Environment, and certification of buildings and treating the environment well, as standard," Andrew Liveris, president of the Brisbane 2032 organizing committee, said. 'We're not there (yet), but we can set that standard. We will be, as an Olympic and Paralympic Games, the standard bearer." With the start of venue construction and the finalizing of the sports program not expected until late next year, Liveris said there's time to ensure the end results are accounted for in the planning. A big ticket item Parsons said Sydney was the first Paralympics to sell tickets — 1.2 million were sold and Australia topped the medal standings. It launched a new era for the Games. There were 2.5 million tickets sold for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, where 4,400 Para athletes competed and 168 national Paralympic Committees sent teams. 'In terms of ticket sales, the Paralympic Games are now the world's third biggest sport event with only the Olympic Games and men's FIFA World Cup selling more,' Parsons said, adding that Paralympic-related internet searches 'broke the 1 billion barrier.' 'The main driver for the increasing global appeal of the Paralympic Games is the constantly improving quality of sport, level and depth of competition, and the performances of Para athletes,' Parsons said. 'Progress in the last 25 years has been emphatic.' Based on his past visits and his knowledge of planning already, Parsons said Brisbane is 'starting from a position of strength definitely in terms of accessibility." 'But you can always improve," he added. 'We cannot be satisfied until we have 100% of everything accessible, and I'm absolutely sure that this is the objective here.'
Associated Press
28-05-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Paralympic chief challenges Brisbane 2032 organizers to top the success of Sydney 2000
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — There was no better day to urge the people of Brisbane to do better than the benchmarks Sydney set for the Paralympics. International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons' visit to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic host city Wednesday coincided with the start of the annual rugby league grudge match that is the State of Origin series, whether planned or otherwise. 'Without doubt, the year 2000 was a gamechanger and provided the foundations from which we could advance the Paralympic Games and wider Paralympic movement,' Parsons told a gathering at Brisbane riverside restaurant, hyping Sydney's overwhelming success in staging the Olympics and Paralympics almost 25 years ago. 'After the tremendous success of Barcelona 1992, and the troublesome experiences of Atlanta 1996, the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games got the Paralympic movement back on track with a sensational showcase of sport.' Challenge laid Sydney is the capital of New South Wales state. Brisbane, capital of Queensland state, has another seven years to prepare to improve on that Games legacy. The sporting rivalry between the neighboring eastern Australian states is intense, with the three-match Origin series highlighting the Queensland desire to upstage big sister Sydney. Brisbane was awarded the 2032 Games in 2021 but it took more than 1,340 days before a new state government finalized the venue plans that center around new main stadium and aquatics venue built in a downtown parkland precinct. What Sydney did to raise the profile of athletes, ticket sales and broadcast audiences for the Paralympics, Brisbane organizers aim to do in terms of setting new benchmarks for accessibility in the design of venues, buildings and transport. 'You've got to get to a point as a global look at accessibility, in other words people with disabilities, as being standard in the design. As First Nations, and including their culture, as standard in what we do. Environment, and certification of buildings and treating the environment well, as standard,' Andrew Liveris, president of the Brisbane 2032 organizing committee, said. 'We're not there (yet), but we can set that standard. We will be, as an Olympic and Paralympic Games, the standard bearer.' With the start of venue construction and the finalizing of the sports program not expected until late next year, Liveris said there's time to ensure the end results are accounted for in the planning. Paralympics ticket sales debuted at SydneySydney was the first Paralympics to sell tickets — 1.2 million were sold and Australia topped the medal standings. It launched a new era for the Games. There were 2.5 million tickets sold for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, where 4,400 para athletes competed and 168 national Paralympic Committees sent teams. 'In terms of ticket sales, the Paralympic Games are now the world's third biggest sport event with only the Olympic Games and men's FIFA World Cup selling more,' Parsons said, adding that Paralympic-related internet searches 'broke the 1 billion barrier.' 'The main driver for the increasing global appeal of the Paralympic Games is the constantly improving quality of sport, level and depth of competition, and the performances of Para athletes,' Parsons said. 'Progress in the last 25 years has been emphatic.' Parsons said from his past visits and his knowledge of planning already that Brisbane is 'starting from a position of strength definitely in terms of accessibility.' 'But you can always improve,' he added. 'We cannot be satisfied until we have 100% of everything accessible, and I'm absolutely sure that this is the objective here.' ___ AP Olympics at
The Advertiser
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Current not crocodiles could sink Olympic river venue
A crocodile habitat unveiled as an Olympic venue is set to come under the microscope, sparking speculation at least one Brisbane 2032 sport could be held interstate. Rockhampton's Fitzroy River is set to be assessed, with an Olympic boss saying it remains to be seen whether it hosts the 2032 Games rowing and sprint canoeing. The river is home to freshwater crocs but its current has emerged as the concern, with the Sydney International Regatta Centre looming if a suitable Queensland venue is not confirmed. Outgoing International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach was not able to guarantee the river would host rowing after arriving in Brisbane for a landmark meeting, saying the world body would evaluate the venue in July. IOC heavyweights have gathered in Brisbane to receive updates on the 2032 Games at a three-day meeting starting on Tuesday. It marks the first time the IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago. The Fitzroy River has hosted national team training camps, but eyebrows were raised when it was unveiled as a 2032 venue after the Brisbane blueprint was revealed in March. Crocodile sightings are common at the central Queensland site, but organisers have played down speculation that competitors could be attacked. "It makes for a colourful story. But I think that's probably not a key concern," Rowing Australia CEO Sarah Cook told AAP. "We we have schoolkids rowing up there. We put the Australian rowing team out there. "And look, you know, maybe that gives us a bit of home ground advantage." Questions have been asked about the river that has a current, unlike a man-made venue such as the Sydney course. The Queensland government's 2032 venue plan opted for the Fitzroy River, ignoring recommendations to hold rowing at the Sydney 2000 host course at Penrith. Two-time Olympian Ms Cook said the river would have to be assessed against international rowing regatta standards. Any current that could impact results or favour certain lanes would fall outside the rules, she said. "It's a bit of a waiting game. I think there's just a lot of unknowns about that venue at the moment," Ms Cook said. "It is certainly a concern, I think, for Queensland, that potentially another state could pick up the rowing if there's not a suitable venue found in Queensland." Penrith would be able to host the 2032 rowing if the river was scrapped, said Ms Cook, adding that she hoped a Queensland venue was confirmed to ensure the sport's legacy. "That (Penrith) is a fantastic venue. From a Queensland perspective, I can imagine that that's not an appeal and option for the government," she said. "We would love to see a permanent home for rowing in Queensland. "We think that the legacy out of having an Olympic and Paralympic standard flatwater venue would be incredibly important for ... the sport's future." Cook said there were a number of other rowing host options in Queensland including Hinze Dam near the Gold Coast and Wyaralong Dam south of Brisbane. The Australian rowing team are looking to bounce back from their worst Olympic result since 1988 after securing a sole bronze medal at the Paris Games. Local organisers have impressed at the three-day IOC co-ordination committee meeting also attended by IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry. "You are building on the commitment to our shared values that unite us in this journey towards a successful Olympic Games," Mr Bach told the meeting on Tuesday. "Brisbane 2032 (is) an event where I'm sure ... will inspire the world and set a new benchmark for a new era of Olympic Games." A crocodile habitat unveiled as an Olympic venue is set to come under the microscope, sparking speculation at least one Brisbane 2032 sport could be held interstate. Rockhampton's Fitzroy River is set to be assessed, with an Olympic boss saying it remains to be seen whether it hosts the 2032 Games rowing and sprint canoeing. The river is home to freshwater crocs but its current has emerged as the concern, with the Sydney International Regatta Centre looming if a suitable Queensland venue is not confirmed. Outgoing International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach was not able to guarantee the river would host rowing after arriving in Brisbane for a landmark meeting, saying the world body would evaluate the venue in July. IOC heavyweights have gathered in Brisbane to receive updates on the 2032 Games at a three-day meeting starting on Tuesday. It marks the first time the IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago. The Fitzroy River has hosted national team training camps, but eyebrows were raised when it was unveiled as a 2032 venue after the Brisbane blueprint was revealed in March. Crocodile sightings are common at the central Queensland site, but organisers have played down speculation that competitors could be attacked. "It makes for a colourful story. But I think that's probably not a key concern," Rowing Australia CEO Sarah Cook told AAP. "We we have schoolkids rowing up there. We put the Australian rowing team out there. "And look, you know, maybe that gives us a bit of home ground advantage." Questions have been asked about the river that has a current, unlike a man-made venue such as the Sydney course. The Queensland government's 2032 venue plan opted for the Fitzroy River, ignoring recommendations to hold rowing at the Sydney 2000 host course at Penrith. Two-time Olympian Ms Cook said the river would have to be assessed against international rowing regatta standards. Any current that could impact results or favour certain lanes would fall outside the rules, she said. "It's a bit of a waiting game. I think there's just a lot of unknowns about that venue at the moment," Ms Cook said. "It is certainly a concern, I think, for Queensland, that potentially another state could pick up the rowing if there's not a suitable venue found in Queensland." Penrith would be able to host the 2032 rowing if the river was scrapped, said Ms Cook, adding that she hoped a Queensland venue was confirmed to ensure the sport's legacy. "That (Penrith) is a fantastic venue. From a Queensland perspective, I can imagine that that's not an appeal and option for the government," she said. "We would love to see a permanent home for rowing in Queensland. "We think that the legacy out of having an Olympic and Paralympic standard flatwater venue would be incredibly important for ... the sport's future." Cook said there were a number of other rowing host options in Queensland including Hinze Dam near the Gold Coast and Wyaralong Dam south of Brisbane. The Australian rowing team are looking to bounce back from their worst Olympic result since 1988 after securing a sole bronze medal at the Paris Games. Local organisers have impressed at the three-day IOC co-ordination committee meeting also attended by IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry. "You are building on the commitment to our shared values that unite us in this journey towards a successful Olympic Games," Mr Bach told the meeting on Tuesday. "Brisbane 2032 (is) an event where I'm sure ... will inspire the world and set a new benchmark for a new era of Olympic Games." A crocodile habitat unveiled as an Olympic venue is set to come under the microscope, sparking speculation at least one Brisbane 2032 sport could be held interstate. Rockhampton's Fitzroy River is set to be assessed, with an Olympic boss saying it remains to be seen whether it hosts the 2032 Games rowing and sprint canoeing. The river is home to freshwater crocs but its current has emerged as the concern, with the Sydney International Regatta Centre looming if a suitable Queensland venue is not confirmed. Outgoing International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach was not able to guarantee the river would host rowing after arriving in Brisbane for a landmark meeting, saying the world body would evaluate the venue in July. IOC heavyweights have gathered in Brisbane to receive updates on the 2032 Games at a three-day meeting starting on Tuesday. It marks the first time the IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago. The Fitzroy River has hosted national team training camps, but eyebrows were raised when it was unveiled as a 2032 venue after the Brisbane blueprint was revealed in March. Crocodile sightings are common at the central Queensland site, but organisers have played down speculation that competitors could be attacked. "It makes for a colourful story. But I think that's probably not a key concern," Rowing Australia CEO Sarah Cook told AAP. "We we have schoolkids rowing up there. We put the Australian rowing team out there. "And look, you know, maybe that gives us a bit of home ground advantage." Questions have been asked about the river that has a current, unlike a man-made venue such as the Sydney course. The Queensland government's 2032 venue plan opted for the Fitzroy River, ignoring recommendations to hold rowing at the Sydney 2000 host course at Penrith. Two-time Olympian Ms Cook said the river would have to be assessed against international rowing regatta standards. Any current that could impact results or favour certain lanes would fall outside the rules, she said. "It's a bit of a waiting game. I think there's just a lot of unknowns about that venue at the moment," Ms Cook said. "It is certainly a concern, I think, for Queensland, that potentially another state could pick up the rowing if there's not a suitable venue found in Queensland." Penrith would be able to host the 2032 rowing if the river was scrapped, said Ms Cook, adding that she hoped a Queensland venue was confirmed to ensure the sport's legacy. "That (Penrith) is a fantastic venue. From a Queensland perspective, I can imagine that that's not an appeal and option for the government," she said. "We would love to see a permanent home for rowing in Queensland. "We think that the legacy out of having an Olympic and Paralympic standard flatwater venue would be incredibly important for ... the sport's future." Cook said there were a number of other rowing host options in Queensland including Hinze Dam near the Gold Coast and Wyaralong Dam south of Brisbane. The Australian rowing team are looking to bounce back from their worst Olympic result since 1988 after securing a sole bronze medal at the Paris Games. Local organisers have impressed at the three-day IOC co-ordination committee meeting also attended by IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry. "You are building on the commitment to our shared values that unite us in this journey towards a successful Olympic Games," Mr Bach told the meeting on Tuesday. "Brisbane 2032 (is) an event where I'm sure ... will inspire the world and set a new benchmark for a new era of Olympic Games." A crocodile habitat unveiled as an Olympic venue is set to come under the microscope, sparking speculation at least one Brisbane 2032 sport could be held interstate. Rockhampton's Fitzroy River is set to be assessed, with an Olympic boss saying it remains to be seen whether it hosts the 2032 Games rowing and sprint canoeing. The river is home to freshwater crocs but its current has emerged as the concern, with the Sydney International Regatta Centre looming if a suitable Queensland venue is not confirmed. Outgoing International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach was not able to guarantee the river would host rowing after arriving in Brisbane for a landmark meeting, saying the world body would evaluate the venue in July. IOC heavyweights have gathered in Brisbane to receive updates on the 2032 Games at a three-day meeting starting on Tuesday. It marks the first time the IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago. The Fitzroy River has hosted national team training camps, but eyebrows were raised when it was unveiled as a 2032 venue after the Brisbane blueprint was revealed in March. Crocodile sightings are common at the central Queensland site, but organisers have played down speculation that competitors could be attacked. "It makes for a colourful story. But I think that's probably not a key concern," Rowing Australia CEO Sarah Cook told AAP. "We we have schoolkids rowing up there. We put the Australian rowing team out there. "And look, you know, maybe that gives us a bit of home ground advantage." Questions have been asked about the river that has a current, unlike a man-made venue such as the Sydney course. The Queensland government's 2032 venue plan opted for the Fitzroy River, ignoring recommendations to hold rowing at the Sydney 2000 host course at Penrith. Two-time Olympian Ms Cook said the river would have to be assessed against international rowing regatta standards. Any current that could impact results or favour certain lanes would fall outside the rules, she said. "It's a bit of a waiting game. I think there's just a lot of unknowns about that venue at the moment," Ms Cook said. "It is certainly a concern, I think, for Queensland, that potentially another state could pick up the rowing if there's not a suitable venue found in Queensland." Penrith would be able to host the 2032 rowing if the river was scrapped, said Ms Cook, adding that she hoped a Queensland venue was confirmed to ensure the sport's legacy. "That (Penrith) is a fantastic venue. From a Queensland perspective, I can imagine that that's not an appeal and option for the government," she said. "We would love to see a permanent home for rowing in Queensland. "We think that the legacy out of having an Olympic and Paralympic standard flatwater venue would be incredibly important for ... the sport's future." Cook said there were a number of other rowing host options in Queensland including Hinze Dam near the Gold Coast and Wyaralong Dam south of Brisbane. The Australian rowing team are looking to bounce back from their worst Olympic result since 1988 after securing a sole bronze medal at the Paris Games. Local organisers have impressed at the three-day IOC co-ordination committee meeting also attended by IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry. "You are building on the commitment to our shared values that unite us in this journey towards a successful Olympic Games," Mr Bach told the meeting on Tuesday. "Brisbane 2032 (is) an event where I'm sure ... will inspire the world and set a new benchmark for a new era of Olympic Games."
West Australian
20-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Current not crocodiles could sink Olympic river venue
A crocodile habitat unveiled as an Olympic venue is set to come under the microscope, sparking speculation at least one Brisbane 2032 sport could be held interstate. Rockhampton's Fitzroy River is set to be assessed, with an Olympic boss saying it remains to be seen whether it hosts the 2032 Games rowing and sprint canoeing. The river is home to freshwater crocs but its current has emerged as the concern, with the Sydney International Regatta Centre looming if a suitable Queensland venue is not confirmed. Outgoing International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach was not able to guarantee the river would host rowing after arriving in Brisbane for a landmark meeting, saying the world body would evaluate the venue in July. IOC heavyweights have gathered in Brisbane to receive updates on the 2032 Games at a three-day meeting starting on Tuesday. It marks the first time the IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago. The Fitzroy River has hosted national team training camps, but eyebrows were raised when it was unveiled as a 2032 venue after the Brisbane blueprint was revealed in March. Crocodile sightings are common at the central Queensland site, but organisers have played down speculation that competitors could be attacked. "It makes for a colourful story. But I think that's probably not a key concern," Rowing Australia CEO Sarah Cook told AAP. "We we have schoolkids rowing up there. We put the Australian rowing team out there. "And look, you know, maybe that gives us a bit of home ground advantage." Questions have been asked about the river that has a current, unlike a man-made venue such as the Sydney course. The Queensland government's 2032 venue plan opted for the Fitzroy River, ignoring recommendations to hold rowing at the Sydney 2000 host course at Penrith. Two-time Olympian Ms Cook said the river would have to be assessed against international rowing regatta standards. Any current that could impact results or favour certain lanes would fall outside the rules, she said. "It's a bit of a waiting game. I think there's just a lot of unknowns about that venue at the moment," Ms Cook said. "It is certainly a concern, I think, for Queensland, that potentially another state could pick up the rowing if there's not a suitable venue found in Queensland." Penrith would be able to host the 2032 rowing if the river was scrapped, said Ms Cook, adding that she hoped a Queensland venue was confirmed to ensure the sport's legacy. "That (Penrith) is a fantastic venue. From a Queensland perspective, I can imagine that that's not an appeal and option for the government," she said. "We would love to see a permanent home for rowing in Queensland. "We think that the legacy out of having an Olympic and Paralympic standard flatwater venue would be incredibly important for ... the sport's future." Cook said there were a number of other rowing host options in Queensland including Hinze Dam near the Gold Coast and Wyaralong Dam south of Brisbane. The Australian rowing team are looking to bounce back from their worst Olympic result since 1988 after securing a sole bronze medal at the Paris Games. Local organisers have impressed at the three-day IOC co-ordination committee meeting also attended by IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry. "You are building on the commitment to our shared values that unite us in this journey towards a successful Olympic Games," Mr Bach told the meeting on Tuesday. "Brisbane 2032 (is) an event where I'm sure ... will inspire the world and set a new benchmark for a new era of Olympic Games."
