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Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) Para Unit athletes Georgia Gunew and Tristan Orchard have helped shape conversations about the future of inclusive sport, taking part in a panel discussion at Queensland’s inaugural All Abilities Day at Suncorp Stadium on 19 July.
The event, hosted ahead of the Dolphins v North Queensland Cowboys Queensland Derby, focused on advancing accessibility and inclusion in sport and major events as Queensland prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The first-of-its-kind event brought together sport leaders, athletes and community members to explore how Queensland can continue to improve participation opportunities, athlete pathways, facilities and infrastructure for people with disability.
Georgia Gunew, a Paralympian and member of the QAS Para Unit, joined fellow QAS Para Unit athlete Tristan Orchard and Stadiums Queensland Chief Executive Todd Harris on the panel, moderated by Deputy Director-General Sport and Racing Michael Dobbie-Bridges. Together, the panel discussed the progress Queensland has already made in para sport and identified opportunities to strengthen accessibility and inclusion across the sporting landscape.
For Tristan, the opportunity to contribute to the discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring athletes with lived experience play a key role in shaping the future of sport.
The panel reflected on the significant growth of para sport in Queensland and explored ways sporting organisations, venues and communities can work together to create more opportunities for participation, engagement and high performance success.
In addition to contributing to the panel discussion, the QAS was actively involved in the day’s festivities, with the YouFor2032 Talent Search team delivering an interactive activation for children and families attending the event.
The activation gave young Queenslanders the opportunity to test their sporting skills and learn more about the pathways available through the YouFor2032 program. The activity was a popular attraction throughout the day, helping inspire the next generation of athletes and reinforcing the importance of making sport accessible and welcoming for everyone.
The event highlighted the importance of creating accessible sporting environments and ensuring people of all abilities can participate in, contribute to and enjoy sport. As Queensland continues its journey towards hosting the world in 2032, the experiences and perspectives of athletes like Georgia and Tristan will remain vital in helping shape a sporting system where everyone can participate, compete and belong.
The QAS is proud to support athletes who not only excel in their sport but also help drive meaningful conversations that will leave a lasting legacy of inclusion for future generations.
