Olympic stars wanted
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR SPECIALIST ATHLETE PROGRAM
OLYMPICS: Standing atop a Brisbane 2032 Olympic dais the next Taliqua Clancy or Justin Anlezark may point to The Glennie School as the ‘birthplace’ of their Olympic dream.
The Toowoomba school is set to host three Youfor2032 sessions this weekend.
The testing sessions are the first part of a talent identification program aimed to identify and then develop young athletes ahead of the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.
Tokyo 2020 beach volleyball silver medallist Clancy is a big supporter of the program.
“The chance to compete in a home game in Brisbane is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and I am excited to help Queensland Academy of Sport on their quest to find the next generation of medallists – hopefully from the Darling Downs,” Taliqua, who hails from Kingaroy, said.
“We are on the hunt for young athletes with extraordinary sporting capabilities and I encourage aspiring local Olympians to register and give it a go – it could be you in 2032.”
Toowoomba Olympian Justin Anlezark is also a big fan of the program and its intended outcomes.
“Kids in that 14 to 16 age bracket now would be in their prime for Brisbane 2032,” Anlezark said.
“Anything we can do to spark that Olympic dream now is a good thing and this program is a great way to start it all.
Anlezark also hopes the program is a success that ultimately sparks a new way of thinking surrounding the development of young athletes.
“You only have to look at all the football codes and cricket to see how it could be done,” he said.
“Year after year they are looking for the next young players.
“Hopefully this program identifies some great athletes and inspires an increased focus on nurturing and supporting young athletes.”
The program is open to athletes born between 1999 and 2009 inclusive (13 to 23 years old in 2022), with ParaSports accepting those born between 1992 to 2009 inclusive (13 to 30 years old in 2022) and registrations are still open for the Glennie sessions.
SESSION TIMES Saturday May 14
Session 1: 9-11am. Registrations close: Friday May 13, 9am
Session 2: 12.30-2.30pm Registrations close: Friday May 13, 12.30pm
Session 3: 3.30-5:30pm. Registrations close: Friday May 13, 3.30pm
Sunday May 15
Session 1: 9-11am. Registrations close: Saturday May 14, 9am
Session 2: 12:30-2.30pm. Registrations close: Saturday May 14, 12:30pm Session 3: 3-5:30pm. Registrations close: Saturday May 14, 3:30pm