Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee (Brisbane 2032) President, Andrew Liveris participated today in the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay, symbolically receiving the Torch from LA28 President Casey Wasserman as a nod to future Games lineage.
“After Paris, there is only one Summer Games ahead of our time, and we are taking every opportunity to learn from Paris 2024 and LA28 to ensure that when it is Brisbane’s turn to shine bright, we’re ready,” Mr Liveris said.
Mr Liveris acknowledged the comradery and support Brisbane 2032 has received from Paris 2024, LA28 and other Organising Committees to set Brisbane’s own Games up for success.
“There is a tremendous spirit of collaboration across Organising Committees to welcome in new Host teams. Casey and many others have generously offered to transfer knowledge and experience so that future Games are given the opportunity to learn and improve, ultimately securing the sustainability of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements for the long run,” Mr Liveris said.
“I am grateful for this support and honoured to share this iconic moment with a valued colleague and friend.”
Mr Liveris is in Paris to take part in a series of sporting and stakeholder engagement plans throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games in his official role as Brisbane 2032 President and said he was honoured to participate in the Torch Relay.
“The Olympic Torch Relay is steeped in so much tradition and ceremony and to have the opportunity to be part of the Relay in Paris, 100 years on from their previous Games, is a true highlight,” he said.
“I commend the significance and innovation that the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee has delivered in coordinating the entire Olympic Torch Relay, setting the bar very high for Brisbane 2032 to leap over when planning our own Torch Relay.
“Imagine the locations that can be featured in our Brisbane 2032 Torch Relay; in eight years’ time we’ll be spoilt for choice as we showcase our beautiful city, state and country to the world.”
Mr Liveris ran in the Torch Relay in Issy-les-Moulineaux on the outskirts of Paris. He handed the Torch to French trail runner Nathalie Houdbine, who works extensively with France’s Dunes d'espoir association that aims to introduce young people with disabilities to running.
For images of Mr Liveris participating in the Olympic Torch Relay, click here.
For more information on the Olympic Torch Relay, click here.
ENDS
We recognise it is our collective efforts and responsibility as individuals, communities and governments to ensure equality, recognition and advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across all aspects of society and everyday life, including sport. We are committed to building a deeper connection with First Nations Peoples through meaningful listening and authentic engagement. We celebrate and honour all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Olympians and Paralympians past and present and we are committed to honouring their unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and the rich contribution they have made and continue to make to society and sport.
