Presentation of Australian Sports Medals to Special Olympics Queensland

Chief Executive Officer, Special Olympics Australia, Mr Jamie O’Connor; Athlete Services Coordinator, Ms Susie Bennett-Yeo; Queensland Special Olympics Team Members, your family, friends and invited guests; ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this morning.

As Governor of Queensland and Joint Patron––along with my husband Graeme––of Special Olympics Queensland, Graeme and I am delighted to welcome you to Government House to this presentation of Australian Sports Medals.

Today we gather to honour and celebrate the remarkable achievements of a number of athletes and officials for their outstanding commitment to sport, inclusion and excellence.

I fondly recall hosting representatives of Special Olympics Queensland here in May 2023 where, as Patron, I had the privilege of presenting team uniforms to those attending the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin the following month.

In Berlin, the 64 athletes who represented Team Australia competed across nine sports: Athletics, basketball, bocce, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, swimming, tennis and tenpin bowling. Collectively they won 63 medals. Queensland athletes took home 35 of these medals: 6 gold, 13 silver and 16 bronze. An amazing result!

And today, finally, we are able to formally acknowledge and celebrate our athletes and officials from those Berlin Games!

The Australian Sports Medals, being presented today, were first introduced in the year 2000 to commemorate Australian sporting achievements in that year. Following changes, the medals are now awarded to commemorate Australian sporting participation in multi-sports events including the Special Olympics World Winter and Summer Games.

The medal recognises the efforts of a range of Australians, including competitors, coaches, sports scientists, office holders and those who maintain sporting facilities and services.

Australia has a long and proud history as a sporting nation. As Australians, we love our sport. Some 11 million Australian adults and three million children take part in sport each year.

The work of Special Olympics Queensland is vital in ensuring everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity participate in sport and to thrive.

At this point I would like to acknowledge and congratulate the new CEO of Special Olympics Australia, Mr Jamie O’Connor, and offer my thanks for the important work the organisation does in fostering the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disability or autism in sport and community.

Next February, Special Olympics Australia will celebrate its 50^th anniversary and to mark this special milestone the organisation will host its national games in Melbourne next October. This is a major undertaking, and I acknowledge all of those involved in its planning and delivery.

I know you will do Australia proud, with those games only serving to intensify excitement in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

To today’s medal recipients, your contributions to sport and to the Special Olympics movement have been not only uplifting and inspiring but have also helped shape a more inclusive and united Australia.

To the coaching staff being honoured today, your dedication behind the scenes is the foundation upon which these athletes stand. Your impact may not always be visible on the scoreboard, but it is deeply felt in every life you’ve touched.

To the family members, carers and friends here today, thank you for the support and encouragement you provide to these athletes and officials every day.

As your Joint Patrons, Graeme and I offer our deepest congratulations and appreciation for the opportunity to be associated with the Special Olympics. We wish you all continued success. Well done!