EVERY four-year cycle, when it rolls around, the Olympics and Paralympics are true reminders of how great it is to be an Aussie.
As our Olympians start to make their mark in Paris, and I pull out the green and gold scarf from the cupboard, I get giddy knowing there’s several weeks of action on the horizon.
Sure, our Matildas didn’t get off to a stellar start, but there’s still so much to be positive about.
Our Rugby 7s, swimmers, athletes, golfers, canoers, high jumpers, long jumpers and the rest will light up La Grande ’Ville.
The Olympics will run from now until August 11 and the Paralympics will play out from August 28 to September 8.
I was incredibly lucky to be present in Canberra for the 2024 Australian Paralympic Team’s stirring official team launch only a few weeks ago.
I take immense pride in being a member of the Parliamentary Friends of Olympics and Paralympic Movements.
We have a few fundamental principles that we stand by.
- To promote the fundamental principles and values of Olympism and Paralympism in Australia, particularly in the fields of sport, health and education.
- To promote the practice of sport as a human right, where every individual must have the possibility of participating in sport.
- To recognise the heritage, culture and contribution of our nation’s first people.
And, importantly, our role is to promote, raise awareness of and encourage participation in sport.
Turn on your television and be inspired over the next few weeks and I’m sure you’ll feel pretty encouraged to get out and participate.
Aspiring athletes from Forde should look to people like Logan-born, Park Ridge State High alumnus, Camryn Newton-Smith, who’ll compete in the heptathlon.
Or Para-Archery competitor and Logan Village mum-of-two Amanda Jennings-Reynolds. How about former Logan City BMX Academy rider Izaac Kennedy or former Loganholme girl and Opals basketball star, Kristy Wallace. There’s a whole bunch who I’m certain will do us proud.
So, I would encourage everyone to throw on some green and gold and cheer our sporting heroes on these next several weeks.