IPC President urges Australians to "seize opportunity" of Brisbane 2032 Paralympics
As part of a seven-country tour, the IPC President is currently in Australia meeting stakeholders in Brisbane and Sydney 28 May 2025
International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons has called upon Australians to seize the “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” presented by the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games to drive global inclusion and social transformation.
Speaking to a 450-strong audience at the University of Queensland in Brisbane on Wednesday (28 May), Parsons highlighted Australia’s track record for hosting major sport events that advance social change, and pointed out that with seven years to go, Brisbane 2032 is uniquely positioned to set new global benchmarks.
“We have a fantastic opportunity to deliver an extraordinary event that can, and will, change the world, acting as a catalyst to advance the lives of the world’s 1.3 billion persons with disabilities,” Parsons said of the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.
“What excites me the most is that Brisbane 2032 and Paralympics Australia start from immense positions of strength. By working together to deliver magnificent Paralympic Games, you will change this country forever, create new sporting heroes and generate greater opportunities for Australia’s 5.5 million people with disabilities.
“With its increasing global profile, the Paralympic Games really can change the world leading to greater inclusion across all sectors.”
During his address Parsons praised Australia’s strong Paralympic legacy, the emotional connection Australians have with their Paralympic team, and the strategic, collaborative planning already underway.
He commended the record federal funding made available for Para sport, double what was previously invested, and Paralympics Australia’s ambitious goal to top the 2032 medal table, a feat last achieved at Sydney 2000.
The IPC President also spoke of his desire to use the Brisbane 2032 Games to improve infrastructure and left the audience with a powerful call to action.
“We are really encouraged that accessibility and legacy is at the heart of the government’s infrastructure plan. The commitment to deliver fully accessible venues and improved transport infrastructure is commendable and will greatly benefit Queenslanders and international visitors for generations to come,” Parsons said.
“Make no doubt about it, successful Games here, will make a monumental difference.
“It’s not often you get chance to change your home city forever, let alone your country or the world.
“But you have that opportunity before you now. Take it! Make the most it!”
A legacy of impact
Parsons’s visit comes just months ahead of the 25th anniversary of Sydney 2000 and he was quick to talk about the impact of Australia’s first Paralympic Games.
“The year 2000 was a game changer for the IPC which provided the foundations from which we could advance the Paralympic Games and the wider Paralympic Movement,” he said.
From Sydney 2000, Parsons spoke about the increasing global appeal of the Paralympic Games and credited the ever-improving performances of Para athletes as the main driving force. He then explained why he believes the Paralympic Games is the most transformative sport event on earth, giving several examples from previous Games editions to illustrate how the event consistently drives legislative reform, improves infrastructure and reshapes public attitudes toward disability.
Parsons said: “The Paralympic Games are a catalyst to removing barriers in the host city and country, benefitting the whole of society. They create impact that is unlike any other sport event on the planet.”
High-level engagement
In addition to his engagement at the University of Queensland, the IPC President and IPC Chief Paralympic Games Officer Colleen Wrenn are meeting with several key government representatives including the Minister for Sport, the Honourable Anika Wells; Queensland Minister for Sport, Racing and the Olympics and Paralympics Tim Mander; Games Independent Infrastructure Coordination Authority Chair Stephen Conry; and Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning, State Development and Infrastructure, Jarrod Bleijie.
On Friday, Parsons will attend Paralympic Australia’s Annual General Meeting in Sydney and meet with the National Paralympic Committee’s Athlete Commission.
Prior to his trip to Australia, the IPC President travelled to and met with the National Paralympic Committees of Cambodia, Chinese Taipei, Japan, New Zealand, Vanuatu and Vietnam.
