A special ‘Aussie Aussie Aussie’ cheer rang out from the Lifeguard Tower at Alexandra Headland on Tuesday 23 July to celebrate eight years to go until the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and to support athletes and para-athletes competing in Paris.
A crowd of Surf Lifesavers, nippers and beachgoers were quick to respond with a loud ‘OI OI OI’, joining thousands around the country in a nationwide cheer.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said she was thrilled to mark another milestone on the road to Brisbane 2032 and was immensely proud of the work that had been done to secure a positive legacy for the region since Brisbane won the Games bid in 2021.
“In just three years, Council has secured remarkable benefits for our community as result of our role as Co-Host City for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mayor Natoli said.
“In May this year, we secured close to $300 million in funding, thanks to support from the Queensland and Australian Governments, for a new indoor sports centre, Sunshine Coast Stadium expansion and new Mountain Bike Centre to be delivered by 2027.
“The three local venues were the first Olympic infrastructure projects to be funded in Queensland for Brisbane 2032 and will be ready for our community to use and enjoy five years before, and long after, we host Olympic Games events.
“A commitment to bring the trainline to Caloundra was also secured this year to, not only ensure a successful Games, but, more importantly, to meet our region’s current and future public transport needs.
“I’m excited to see more legacy opportunities and benefits come to our region in the years ahead, particularly in the areas of transport and sustainability.”
Mayor Natoli said while the Sunshine Coast was firmly on track to co-host Brisbane 2032, Paris 2024 was upon us, acknowledging the remarkable number of local athletes and para-athletes preparing to compete in the coming weeks.
“I encourage the Sunshine Coast community to come together for this momentous occasion and cheer loudly for our Australian Olympic and Paralympic teams,” she said.
Wear your green and gold and get involved
Sunshine Coast Council will host Bonjour Sunshine Coast – Olympics LIVE this Saturday from 3pm at Jack Morgan Park in Coolum Beach. Families are encouraged to wear green and gold and enjoy this extra-special event featuring the Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony, family favourite movie, Cool Runnings – followed by the Aussie Boomers’ first Olympic basketball game LIVE from Paris.
Curated Plate event guests will enjoy a delicious mix of locally sourced French and Aussie-inspired cuisine from a range of food trucks serving alongside kids’ games, face painting and roving entertainment. Tickets are free, and available from the Curated Plate website.
On 29 August, Council will host a free, action-packed Paralympics LIVE event at the home of the Sunshine Coast Spinners in Sippy Downs.
Families will have the opportunity to try wheelchair basketball and rugby, watch the Paralympics LIVE on the big screen and watch a showcase wheelchair rugby game.