Having the slogan ready now is crucial as it sets the tone for the legacy the Games will create, Meares said. “Our legacy isn’t what happens after the games, it’s what we’re starting to do now to deliver those games.”
Australian athlete Cate Campbell said the new slogan is ‘all about heart’.Credit: Dominique Tassell
Paralympian Madison de Rozario said she hoped the Games would be a catalyst for Paralympians being seen as multifaceted athletes like any other.
“I think a huge part of belonging in any community, in any world, is feeling, being perceived in the way that we perceive ourselves,” the wheelchair racer said.
“And I think very often as Paralympians and as people with disabilities, that isn’t our lived experience. I think oftentimes we see ourselves a certain way, and then we’re told over and over again through the stories that are told about us that the world doesn’t see us in that way.
“When we tell Paralympian stories, we often think that the acquisition of their disability must be the low point. And I think we don’t then go and look any further into what it might actually be for that individual.”
Part of the slogan focuses on the new era of sport in Australia, and Australia’s fastest man Lachie Kennedy said it’s essential to develop our athletes of the future.
“Each year there’s a whole new wave of just talent coming through that wasn’t there before,” the Olympian said. “Every new group of juniors is our best juniors ever, every group of new people coming through is breaking records every year in nationals.”
“I mean that’s the best thing about Australian sport, is our grassroots really develop the youth. Because that is the future. [The Games] is only temporary, but the grassroots are forever, so I think it’s just super exciting, a really good opportunity for the city and for the sport.”
More announcements about the Games are expected in the new year, including the emblem, the sport program and first commercial sponsor.
The Games vision is not to be confused with the Brisbane 2032 tagline, which will be released closer to the Games and be used on promotional material.
The Los Angeles 2028 Games has the vision “Together we can change the future” while Paris had “Sport can change lives”.
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