Coast the missing piece in Paralympic puzzle
When it comes to Olympic inclusion, we are really dropping the ball.
Forget sustainability, infrastructure and economic benefits (as important as they all are), the keyword we need to focus on for 2032 is equality.
Because the Games are not just about the Olympics … but also the Paralympics.
Yet already our Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, has committed a sin of omission.
While she readily appointed herself as Minister for the Olympics in October this year, she neglected to apply the equally important title of Minister for the Paralympics.
And it’s not like that distinction doesn’t exist. Just ask Stirling Hinchcliffe, the Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement.
It’s such an obvious exclusion that it almost feels intentional, although I have no doubt that Ms Palaszczuk values both our Paralympic heroes and the event itself. But words matter. Which is why it’s so important that we listen to the words of Paralympic triple gold medallist, 10-time world champion and Invictus Games ambassador Curtis McGrath.
Speaking at the Bulletin’s Future Gold Coast lunch last Thursday, the Gold Coastbased para-canoeist and former soldier, who lost both his legs in an IED blast while serving in Afghanistan, spoke of how he now fights for equality.
He’s asking this city and this state to celebrate and prepare for the Paralympics with just as much excitement and pride as we do the Olympics. To model to our children that being differently abled is not better or worse but … different. And equal.
Yes, we’ve come a long way in celebrating our athletes with a disability … but we’ve only really just started.
Curtis has spent his life putting his body on the line for this country, as a soldier and an athlete, why would we not honour him in any way we can?
Yet as a Paralympian and a man with a disability, he sees the slights and oversights that the able-bodied have the privilege of not noticing.
And it’s not just a matter of ministerial titles gone missing.
Words matter, but so too does action. Or, in the case of Pizzey Park, perhaps inaction.
It’s hard to believe, but the para-canoeing facility at the Miami grounds does not have disability access. Yes, the paracanoeing facility used by people with a disability.
Perhaps it’s something that will be included in the park’s masterplan, but surely it’s an issue that should be prioritised.
As with the Premier, I don’t think this is part of a sinister plan to exclude people with disabilities … but we really need to aim higher than that.
We should be looking for every opportunity to make the Gold Coast the most inclusive city in the world.
For all of our (rightful) outrage at the fact that the Council of Mayors (COMSEQ) snubbed the Gold Coast for a position on the board of the 2032 Olympic Games organising committee – which includes planning for the Paralympics – let’s keep our eye on the ball.
Let’s demonstrate our absolute ability to include people of all abilities in our words and actions, not just in the lead-up to 2032 but every day.
Every resident, able-bodied or otherwise, should be taking note of accessibility in this city. It’s not just a matter for the council to fund and fix, but private enterprise and local residents as well.
And despite the puzzle of Pizzey Park, this city’s recent record shows that when we throw a party, we know how to include everyone.
Just look at the Gold Coast’s 2018 Commonwealth Games – the first games to fully integrate the para sports program.
It’s truly baffling why this city is now being excluded when it comes to organising the most inclusive event in the state’s history. Surely we should be the ultimate Paralympic party planners?
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate is already advocating for this city to host as many events as we can and to give the Paralympic Games equal attention when it comes to planning and our future contribution – and it is absolutely the right thing to do.
Not just for our athletes but for every person with a disability. Let’s show that, in this city at least, they are visible and valued. Even if we don’t always get it exactly right, we’re trying.
And beyond that, let’s remember that the Paralympics is two and a half times the size of the Comm Games – this is an opportunity not just for every person with a disability, but for every resident of this city.
For the Premier to ignore not just the Paralympic aspect of her official Olympic title but the contributions of this city is truly unsporting.