Morning Tea to Present Queensland Olympians with Participation Pins and Framed Pocket of the Olympic Team’s Blazer

Ms Natalie Cook, President of the Queensland Olympic Council and fellow Board Members; our wondrously uplifting Olympians and their proud families and supporters.

It is Kaye’s and my great pleasure to welcome you all to Fernberg.

I extend a special welcome to our Rio medallists here today, and particularly to our gold medallist, Cate Campbell.

There were many memorable Queensland moments from the 31^st Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro – to name but a few: the many wonderful family stories – the Campbell sisters, and Dane Bird-Smith literally following in the footsteps of his father, David – who is also here today – all the way to Olympic representation.

A number of Queenslanders made Olympic history: Taylor Worth – who is present today – and Ryan Tyack securing Australia’s first ever Olympic team archery medal; and Queenslanders were well represented in our trailblazing women’s Rugby Sevens team, recipients of that format’s first ever Olympic gold medal!

Indeed, it is a source of considerable pride that while around one fifth of Australia’s 422-strong Rio contingent came from Queensland, athletes from our Sunshine State accounted for nearly 50 per cent of Australia’s medal haul – something I will be sure to mention to the Governors of all Australian States, and our Governor-General, when they gather here at Fernberg next week for an historic dinner in honour of Her Majesty The Queen’s 90^th birthday!

While winning medals is important, it is only one marker of Olympic success.

For there is something to celebrate in the achievements of every athlete who competed.

To all Queensland Olympians, and Paralympians, in practice and performance, you have displayed those noble characteristics which advance cohesiveness in our communities, characteristics which are the touchstones of the Olympic movement: tolerance, equality, fair play, and perseverance.

As your Governor, and Patron of the Queensland Olympic Council, I wholeheartedly congratulate you all. Kaye and I wish you well in your future endeavours, and we hope to see many of you proudly competing on home soil during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018.

I also express my gratitude to the able Olympic administration –represented here today – and the team’s many sponsors. 

You are all a wellspring of pride – for your close support teams, and for our State and nation. 

I very much look forward to shortly presenting our Olympians with a unique participation pin and a framed pocket of the Australian Olympic Team’s blazer, and to speaking to you over morning tea. Thank you.