A senior member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed confidence in preparations underway for the Brisbane 2032 Games at a virtual meeting held overnight.
Members of the IOC Coordination Commission and the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee held their second annual meeting late last night.
Speaking after the meeting, IOC Coordination Commission chair Kirsty Coventry said they were not concerned by the Queensland government’s recent shift on Olympic venues.
At a virtual media conference following the meeting, questions were raised about the possibility of further venue changes if there is a change of government in Queensland in October.
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But Ms Coventry said dealing with political change was a part of preparations in every Olympic city.
“At the end of the day, there are always a certain number of changes in local governments and federal governments,” Ms Coventry said.
She said no matter what happened, organisers would will deliver an incredible event for athletes.
“Whether they are in a temporary venue, or in a newly built venue, or an existing venue that’s had some small upgrades, they should have no fears that the venue itself will allow them to be their best.
“There will be at some point that we might start getting a little bit concerned, but we have confidence there will be open dialogue.”
Ms Coventry said the IOC remains “very positive about Brisbane 2032”.
“It will just take a little bit of time over the next few months to a year to allow for the stakeholders — specifically in the different government levels — to agree on what they feel is best for their country and for their state and for their region,” she said.
“The Games, as I said before, will fit into that.”
Games ‘will make the IOC proud’
Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee president Andrew Liveris said it was important that Games planning remained “adaptable”.
“The message for us is really clear, the Games need to fit within the region, not the region fit the Games,” he said.
He said Brisbane would be the first Olympic and Paralympic host city in a position to observe two Games — Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028.
“There is a lot to learn from these Games, things like food and beverage experience to broadcast coverage and all of this will be looked at,” Mr Liveris said.
He said 13 members of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee would attend the Paris Games as observers.
“We will put on an event and experience that will make the IOC proud,” he said.
Mr Liveris said the committee would begin the tendering process for some Games-related operations later this year, despite concerns that plans could change again.
“The due diligence, venue decisions and Games impact — alongside a new independent authority to be established — will be a priority to deliver the best experience for all,” Mr Liveris said.
He said the athlete experience remains at the heart of the Games.
“It is a gift to host an Olympic and Paralympic Games and it is for Australia the third Olympics as a very young nation,” he said.
“We are very positive about the Games.”
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