Co-chaired by Hon Samantha Rowe MLC and Mr Peter Rundle MLA, the bi-partisan Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) will promote and champion the positive impact Olympic and Paralympic sports generate throughout Western Australian communities.

The PFG was launched at Parliament House in Perth, with more than 40 members of Parliament joining AOC President Ian Chesterman, Paralympics Australia President Jock O’Callaghan, Co-Emcee’s for the evening Paralympian Priya Cooper OAM and Olympian Andrew Vlahov OAM, along with other Olympians, Paralympians and a wide range of sport, community, business and government representatives.

The PFG will work together towards key community and sporting outcomes, including:

• Encouraging participation in sport across the state, promoting the wide ranging benefits sport can bring to all West Australians;
• Promoting the fundamental principles and values of Olympism and Paralympism in WA, particularly in the fields of sport, health and education;
• Promoting the practice of sport as a human right, without discrimination of any kind, with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play; and
• Recognising the heritage, culture and contribution of our nation’s first people, and to give practical support to the issue of Indigenous reconciliation through sport.

AOC President Ian Chesterman said Olympic sport brings people together and can improve health, wellbeing and community outcomes right across the state.

“It’s wonderful to be here in Perth to launch the Western Australian Parliamentary Friends of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements,” Mr Chesterman said.

“The Olympic movement has the power to inspire all West Australians, to ignite a belief that the extraordinary is possible.

“Western Australia has such a rich legacy and love for Olympic sport, and this launch continues the state’s strong support of athletes, clubs and sports in the Olympic movement.

“Olympic and Paralympic sport is a unifying force for good. With 45 member sports, that support programs for every experience and capability level, there truly is an Olympic sport for every Australian.

“Together we can build better communities through sport.

“I thank Samantha Rowe and Peter Rundle for their leadership in Chairing the PFG and I look forward to working with all participating members to maximise the positive outcomes Olympic and Paralympic sport can contribute to Western Australia.”

Government Co-Chair the Hon Samantha Rowe MLC highlighted the importance of the contribution of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements to the shaping public policy in Western Australia.

“The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is an opportunity for us to increase participation in sports, and bring the nation together.

“We know that very few ever get to stand on a podium, but the real power of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements lies not in medals, but in the virtuous circle of participation, leading to pathways and on to elite performance which then inspires our next generation.

“I’m looking forward to working with Peter and all our parliamentary colleagues in highlighting the benefits of participating in Olympic and Paralympic sports across portfolios in government, demonstrating that those benefits can drive better outcomes in education, health, youth mental health, Indigenous communities and multicultural communities throughout Western Australia.”

Opposition Co-Chair Peter Rundle MLA endorsed Ms Rowe’s comments in appreciating the importance of sport in Western Australian electorates. 

“Sport adds tremendous benefits to our communities. We value the work and choices our Olympians make to reach the pinnacle of their sporting goals and provide such a wonderful example of what can be achieved if you work hard enough.

“What has become clear to me when I consider the 467 Western Australians who have represented Australia at Olympic Games is that none of those elite athletes were born as Olympians, they were all made in playgrounds and sporting clubs and schools across our State.”