Redlands Coast residents turned out to celebrate an Olympics double in Cleveland on Sunday and continue to watch the big screen at Bloomfield Street Park for the Olympics Live action.
Not only were they there to cheer on our Aussie team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, including Redlands Coast sailor Mara Stransky, but also to celebrate Wednesday’s announcement that Brisbane and Redlands Coast will host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams told the crowd at Olympics Live Presented by Westpac in Bloomfield Street Park that having the 2032 Games come to the south east was “beyond exciting”.
“Redlands Coast will be an event venue city. The Brisbane 2032 Olympics Canoe Slalom events will be held at our purpose-built Redland Whitewater Centre,” Cr Williams said.
“This will be a fantastic opportunity, not only for us to enjoy the spectacle and excitement of a Games event here in our city, but also to showcase our wonderful Redlands Coast to the world.”
Paralympian Daniel Fox, Olympian Andrew Trim and Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club president John Simpson were guest speakers at the Sunday morning forum emceed by Ranger Stacey and with a performance by the Cleveland Air Magic skippers.
Daniel Fox, who retired from swimming in June this year, inspired youngsters in the audience to get involved in sport.
“The Brisbane 2032 Olympics could be the moment that inspires kids to get involved in sport,” he said.
“If you’ve got a goal and love a sport, stick at it, keep going and give 110 per cent in training.”
Andrew Trim congratulated Redlands Coast on being announced as the host city for the whitewater centre for the 2032 Olympics.
“The facility will bring many events to Redlands Coast – world cups and world exposure,” he said. “And it will also see lots of children training there.”
John Simpson said the whitewater centre would be an incredible opportunity to bring children into the sport.
“Younger generations will have the opportunity to really get involved because the opportunities are there,” he said.
“Olympians are just normal people – you have to believe it, dare to dream it, and picture yourself there because someone is going to be there, why not you?”
Olympics Live Redlands Coast, run by Redland City Council, continues at Bloomfield Street Park, Cleveland, 10am to 4pm daily until Friday 30 July. All of the excitement and achievements from the Tokyo Olympics will be shown live on a large LED screen.