Parliamentary Friends of The Olympic and Paralympic Movements In Tasmania Launched

The Tasmanian Parliamentary Friends of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements has launched this week in Hobart, celebrating the important role of Olympic and Paralympic sports throughout the state.

The bi-partisan Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) is open to all Members, and promotes the values of Olympism and Paralympism.

Co-chaired by Mr Nic Street MP and Mr Josh Willie MLA, the PFG was launched at a function at Tasmania’s Parliament House, bringing together more than 25 members of Parliament, Premier Jeremy Rockliff, AOC President Mr Ian Chesterman, Paralympics Australia President Mr Jock O’Callaghan, Olympians, Paralympians and wide range of Tasmanian sport, business, community and government representatives.

The PFG’s objectives are:

• to promote, raise awareness of and encourage participation in sport for benefits of health, longevity, fitness, skill, achievement, social interaction, wellbeing and other benefits of exercise for all individuals in Tasmania;
• to promote the fundamental principles and values of Olympism and Paralympism in Tasmania, particularly in the fields of sport, health and education, by promoting Olympic and Paralympic sporting, health and educational programmes in all levels of schools, sports and physical education institutions and universities;
• to promote the practice of sport as a human right where every individual must have the possibility of practising sport, without discrimination of any kind which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play; and
• to recognise the heritage, culture and contribution of our nation’s first people, and to give practical support to the issue of Indigenous reconciliation through sport.

AOC President and Launceston local Ian Chesterman welcomed the launch of the PFG.

“I’m delighted to see the Tasmanian Parliamentary Friends of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements launched,” Mr Chesterman said.

“The Olympic movement has a unique role in Australian life and has the power to inspire all Tasmanians – from schoolkids watching our local heroes like Eddie Ockenden or Ariarne Titmus perform on the biggest stage and igniting their belief to chase their own dream, to the power of Olympic sport to engage people and improve health, wellbeing and community outcomes right across the state.

“Olympic and Paralympic sport is a unifying force for good. With 45 member sports, that embraces all experience and capability levels, there truly is an Olympic sport for every Tasmanian.

“Brisbane 2032 will be a home Games for all Australians. I’m particularly excited about the opportunity it brings to inspire young Tasmanians to imagine what is possible, how they can be part of what will be an extraordinary event be it as an athlete, support staff or volunteer, and to help maximise the benefits right across the state.

“I thank Nic Street and Josh Willie for their leadership in Chairing the PFG and to all the participating Members, I look forward to continuing to work with you to maximise positive outcomes Olympic and Paralympic sport can contribute to Tasmanians.”

PA President Jock O’Callaghan said: “The 10 years leading up to Brisbane 2032 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for us to use the power and the platform of Paralympic sport towards creating a more inclusive society.

“Achieving this outcome will require the shining example consistently provided by our athletes, but also the support of our partners and stakeholders, including governments.

“I’m so pleased the Tasmanian Parliamentary Friends of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements has been launched, giving us a platform in Tasmania to pursue our shared goals with vigour and determination.”

Mr Nic Street, Minister for Sport and Recreation and Co-Chair of the PFG, said “It is clear by the amount of Olympians and Paralympians our State has produced that Tasmania punches well above its weight on the international stage and as a State with a rich sporting history we are extremely proud of this fact.”

“The amazing athletes that represent Tasmania and Australia at the Olympics and Paralympics are no doubt inspiring many young Tasmanians to strive to follow in their footsteps. We want more Tasmanians to get active and dream big, no matter where they live, what their age or their circumstances, and we are investing significantly into the State’s Sport and Recreation sector to make this possible.”

Co-Chair of the PFG Mr Josh Willie, Shadow Minister for Recreation and Sport, said “The formation of the Parliamentary Friends of the Olympics and Paralympic Movements in Tasmania is a significant step to realise our aspirations in sport and to promote diversity and inclusivity.

“The Olympic movement has something for everyone and it can have universal impact. The challenge for our state is to build a legacy from Victoria 2026 and Brisbane 2032 to improve the lives of Tasmanians and to inspire a generation.

“The Tasmanian Labor Party offers bipartisanship in the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic movement to support the next generation of Tasmanian athletes to realise their dreams.”

By: Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia
Posted: 8 September 2022