Brisbane 2032 welcomes new Board member
New member of Brisbane 2032 Board , bringing strong Paralympic insight to future Games planning.
What’s happening?
Seven-time Australian Paralympian Angie Ballard has been appointed to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee Board.
She replaces Kurt Fearnley, who is completing his term on the Board.
Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris congratulated Ms Ballard and confirmed her first official Board meeting will take place in the new year.
Why it matters
The change marks a shift in the Board’s Paralympic representation. Mr Liveris said Mr Fearnley had been pivotal in ensuring what matters most to those with a disability had been heard in Board discussions and planning for the Games.
He also welcomed Ms Ballard, noting her strong standing in the Paralympic community.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said Ms Ballard’s appointment was the perfect choice.
Local impact
Queenslanders will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032. The presence of Ms Ballard on the Board supports planning that considers access and sport outcomes for athletes with disability.
By the numbers
Ms Ballard has competed in seven Paralympic Games, which shows her long involvement in elite sport.
She has won eight medals for Australia, a result pointed out by Minister Mander as a sign of her determination and hard work.
Mr Fearnley has held the Board role for more than three years, and will now continue with the Board’s Athletes and Sport Advisory Group.
Zoom in
Mr Liveris praised Mr Fearnley, saying, “Kurt is an inspirational motivator no matter the audience or cause. When he talks, people listen and take action, and our Board is incredibly grateful to have had him serve as part of it.”
He then welcomed Ms Ballard, saying, “As Kurt leaves the Board, I’m delighted to welcome Angie, whose record speaks for itself amongst the Paralympic community. We are firmly focused on ensuring inclusion and access is universally part of our Games and I have no doubt Angie will play a significant role as part of our decisions.”
Minister Mander said, “Angela Ballard is an Australian legend, and I know she’ll continue her journey as a highly respected advocate for Para sport in her new role.”
He added, “Winning eight medals for Australia is a reflection of her determination and hard work, and it’s these attributes that will serve her well in delivering a fantastic Paralympic Games in 2032.”
He also thanked Mr Fearnley, saying, “I would also like to thank Kurt Fearnley for his contributions in the role for more than three years, and I wish him well with his continued position on the Board’s Athletes and Sport Advisory Group.”
Zoom out
Ms Ballard’s appointment keeps strong Paralympic representation on the Brisbane 2032 Board.
Mr Fearnley will continue to contribute through the Athletes and Sport Advisory Group, maintaining continuity for athlete input.
What to look for next?
Ms Ballard will attend her first official Brisbane 2032 Board meeting in the new year.