The Palaszczuk Government’s Youfor2032 Olympic and Paralympic athlete talent search is underway with young Central Queenslanders today sampling the Queensland Academy of Sport’s (QAS) elite testing program.
Sport Minister and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympic and Paralympic Sport and Engagement Stirling Hinchliffe said Youfor2032 was Australia’s largest ever athlete talent identification program.
“Youfor2032 registrations are now open, giving coaches, teachers and parents the chance to nominate aspiring young Central Queensland athletes for a fast-track to the medal winners’ podium at the 2032 Games,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Experts from the QAS have given local students from Rockhampton Grammar a run through some of the elite testing aspiring athletes can expect from Youfor2032 tryouts.
“The QAS anticipates up to 50,000 Youfor2032 registrations and around 20,000 young Queenslanders picked by talent scouts for comprehensive testing over the next two years.
“Each will be assessed for speed, endurance, agility, resilience, cognitive ability, winning mindset and determination for gold in 2032.
“Youfor2032 isn’t the only road to Brisbane 2032, but it will maximise the number of podium-ready Queenslanders for the State’s 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
The QAS talent identification program is looking for potential Olympians aged 13 to 23 and prospective Paralympians from 13 to 30.
Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said young Central Queensland athletes deserve the chance to be part of the world’s biggest elite sporting event in their home State.
“Youfor2032 is a tremendous opportunity for Central Queenslanders to be part of Queensland sporting history and go for gold,” Mr O’Rourke said.
“We want to make sure promising young CQ athletes are among the 400 to be supported by inspirational QAS coaches and world-class training facilities to accelerate their Olympic and Paralympic dreams.
“Whether you’re from Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Gladstone, Blackwater or Emerald, if you have athletic potential, nominate for Youfor2032.”
Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said Central Queensland continued to produce phenomenal athletes.
“Taryn Roberts is an exciting young prospect in the pool and Rockhampton-born Mark Knowles and Jamie Dwyer have delivered Olympic medals on the hockey field,” Ms Lauga said.
“Youfor2032 is the first step in nurturing our region’s next generation of champions for Queensland’s golden decade of elite sport.
“QAS talent scouts will start measuring up and testing the skills and determination of Central Queensland’s best in late May, but the first step is registering.”
The Palaszczuk Government has doubled QAS funding to $29.3 million to help high-performance experts cultivate Queensland’s potential stars of 2032 in 17 sporting disciplines, including Triathlon, Swimming, Cycling BMX and Sprint Canoeing.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) congratulated the QAS on providing a strong pathway for Queenslanders to play Olympic sport.
“Youfor2032 will spread awareness, spark interest in Brisbane 2032 and hopefully inspire young athletes to chase their Olympic dreams,” the AOC said.
Paralympics Australia CEO Catherine Clark said a Paralympics at home provided a once-in-a-generation opportunity not only for emerging para-athletes, but more broadly for people with a disability.
“High-performance requires incredible courage, hard work and perseverance. These are traits Queenslanders are renowned for, so I am confident we are going to unearth some exciting talent,” Ms Clark said.
QAS Chief Executive Chelsea Warr said there are already great talent pathways operating at the local, regional, and state level where athletes are identified.
“This is about widening the net further and ensuring no stone is left unturned in providing aspiring athletes with opportunity,” Ms Warr said.
“Testing sessions will be organised in partnership with schools, universities, councils and school sport districts.
“We want to provide you an opportunity to see how good you could be, while recognising the journey of pursing excellence is demanding.”
To register go to: qld.gov.au/Youfor2032.
