The event hosted by Olympic gold medallist Brooke Hanson OAM offered Queensland Members of Parliament the opportunity to celebrate the success of the Tokyo Teams.

There were 52 Members of the Queensland Parliament in attendance including LNP, Labor and Independent MPs, all celebrating the success of athletes from a variety of backgrounds across the state.

The MPs were joined by over 30 Olympians and Paralympians, the day was marked with fun and excitement for all, with a wheelchair basketball demonstration from Sporting Wheelies. Even the MPs got in on the act, with a shooting comp between the Deputy Speaker and the Shadow Minister for sport.

Later the Deputy Speaker and Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship group, Joe Kelly MP reflected what the athletes had achieved in Tokyo and the ongoing impact this will have on the community in Queensland.

“The Members of the Queensland Parliament are really proud of the achievements of all the Olympic and Paralympic athletes from the state. MPs know that wherever the athletes go from here, they will be leaders in their community. We welcome these athletes to the Queensland Parliament and thank them for their efforts.”

Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship group, Tim Mander MP, Shadow Minister for Olympic and Paralympic Sport and Regional Engagement spoke about the character of the Australian Olympic Paralympic Teams and the strong example set by our athletes as we prepare for the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.

“We are so proud of our Olympians and Paralympians who represented Australia in Tokyo.

“Like the Australian athletes who have gone before, our Tokyo 2020 Olympians and Paralympians honoured the spirit and values of the Olympic movement.

“Yes, the medal tally was impressive by anybody’s measure. But it’s the way in which our athletes conducted themselves which I’m most proud of.

“Looking to the future, the Olympic spotlight will soon shine on Queensland. The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will bring worldwide exposure to our great state.

“It’s a golden opportunity for Queensland.”

Both the Premier of Queensland, Annastacia Palaszczuk and the Leader of the Opposition, David Crisafulli spoke at the event. This was followed by a panel of Olympians and Paralympians consisting of Bronwen Knox, Jean van der Westhuyzen, Ella Sabljak and Chris Bond, who spoke about their experiences at the Games.

Tokyo Olympic debutant and now gold medallist in canoe sprint, Jean van der Westhuyzen spoke about the event and the opportunity to speak with Members of Parliament about his experience at the Games.

“It was great to have an opportunity to make that informal connection with those in Government and to share our experiences and the success of the Team in Tokyo.

“I’m passionate about the Olympic Movement and excited by the opportunities it will bring to Brisbane in the future. It was terrific hear about what’s on the horizon for the state and the approach that is being taken to hosting a Games here in 2032.”