The Virtus Global Games Australian Sports Medal Investiture Ceremony

Board Director, Sports Inclusion Australia, Ms Danielle Smith and CEO of Life Stream Australia, Ms Cathy Wilson; Australian Sports Medal recipients, your family and friends, welcome.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

I am delighted and immensely proud to welcome you all to Government House for this afternoon’s special presentation of Australian Sports Medals.

In June 2023, over 170 Australian team members—including many of you in this room—made the long trip to Vichy, France, to compete in the 6^th edition of the Virtus Global Games—the world’s most important international event for elite athletes with intellectual impairment.

There—on the world stage, competing in a field of over 1,000 high-level athletes from numerous countries, and in a wide range of sports—this incredible team excelled, bringing home an amazing 42 Gold medals, 41 silver and 42 bronze…second only to the host nation.

This is an impressive result, yet perhaps, even more significantly, these achievements—and the efforts of the entire 2023 team—highlight how sport has the power to unite and inspire, and of course at the same time, promote better physical and mental health!

I am sure that this experience must have been memorable for you all—doing what you love, while meeting other passionate athletes, building a great sense of fellowship, and, of course, having lots of fun.

Being selected to represent our country at such a top level—and achieving as you have each done in your sports—takes tremendous commitment and diligence. It also relies on an understanding and helpful support team to ensure everything runs smoothly.

And this is why, the Australian Sports Medal is such a special award—because it recognises remarkable individuals who have taken part in international multi-sport events (such as Virtus) while also acknowledging the efforts of those who work so determinedly behind the scenes.

This afternoon we honour outstanding athletes in the fields of athletics, cycling, equestrian, swimming and tennis, and those who have served to support the competitors in a variety of vital roles.

You have each contributed significantly to sporting excellence in our country, and as Queensland champions and wonderful role models for others, I hope that you will continue to wear your medals with pride.

I also thank Sport Inclusion Australia, not only for supporting its athletes through the special recognition being honoured today, but for tirelessly promoting involvement in sport for people with intellectual impairment.

I am very appreciative of the hard work being done—across our state and country—to ensure that the benefits of sport are available not just to some, but to all.

As Governor—on behalf of all Queenslanders—congratulations, and now, it’s time to present your medals!