Youth Game Changers Summit inspires the next generation of athletes and leaders

QAS recently hosted The University of Queensland Youth Game Changers Summit, inspiring young athletes to explore high-performance sport.

The UQ Youth Game Changers is a joint initiative of the Queensland Centre for Olympic and Paralympic Studies (QCOPS), in partnership with the Flinders Discovery Institute and the QAS.

From sport science workshops to powerful ParaSTART stories, the event highlighted sport’s role in driving innovation, inclusion, and sustainability on the road to Brisbane 2032. It also served as a platform to empower the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to create lasting positive legacies.

The event opened with an overview into Australia’s high-performance system, led by QAS Research Partnerships Manager Dr. Megan Shephard. “High performance isn’t just about competing; it’s about teamwork, resilience, and innovation,” said Dr. Shephard.

Students also witnessed the awarding of ParaSTART athletes with plaques recognising their sustained participation in the program.

At the QAS Sport Science Lab, Dr. Hedda Giorgi led students through interactive sport science activities, showcasing how performance analytics maximises athletic potential.

With more than 300 athletes in the pipeline to compete in LA 2028, the future of elite sport in Queensland is brighter than ever.