Sports Gold Coast CEO Danika Goodman and Director Lisa Ketjen recently had the privilege of attending the 2032 Legacy in Motion Summit, joining leaders from across sport, government, health, education and the community sector to explore how Brisbane 2032 can create meaningful and lasting change long before the Opening Ceremony.
Hosted by Gold Coast Recreation & Sport Inc. and the Active & Healthy Alliance, the Summit challenged delegates to think beyond medals, infrastructure and international attention. Instead, the focus was on one important question:
What do we need to build today to ensure Brisbane 2032 leaves a genuine legacy for women, girls and people with disability?
The day highlighted that the greatest legacy of the Games will not be measured by the venues we build, but by the opportunities we create, the communities we strengthen and the barriers we remove.
Delegates experienced a series of inclusive sporting activities, including wheelchair rugby, boccia, table tennis and golf, providing a practical reminder that accessibility alone isn’t enough. True inclusion requires thoughtful design, clear communication, strong leadership and a willingness to adapt so everyone has the opportunity to participate.
Throughout the Summit, respected leaders from across Australia shared insights into building more inclusive sporting systems, stronger leadership pathways and communities where everyone feels they belong.
Discussions explored the importance of:
- Creating genuine pathways for women and girls in leadership and participation.
- Designing sport that is accessible and welcoming for people with disability.
- Recognising volunteering as a vital pathway to confidence, employment and community connection.
- Building organisations that value diversity, collaboration and lived experience.
- Ensuring Brisbane 2032 becomes a catalyst for long-term participation and healthier communities, rather than simply a world-class sporting event.
For Sports Gold Coast CEO Danika Goodman, the Summit reinforced the role organisations across the region have to play over the next six years.
“Brisbane 2032 represents an incredible opportunity, but the legacy won’t happen automatically. It will be created through the decisions we make today, the partnerships we build and our commitment to making sport more accessible, inclusive and connected for everyone.”
“One of the most valuable takeaways from the day was seeing so many organisations working collaboratively rather than independently. Creating lasting change requires government, sporting organisations, businesses, community groups and volunteers all moving in the same direction.”
Sports Gold Coast is committed to ensuring our region plays a leading role in creating that legacy.
Through initiatives including Grow for Gold, community partnerships, leadership programs and industry collaboration, Sports Gold Coast continues to connect sport, business and community while advocating for stronger pathways and greater opportunities across all levels of sport.
The Summit served as a powerful reminder that the true success of Brisbane 2032 will not simply be remembered for two weeks of competition, but for the generations of people who are inspired to participate, lead and belong because of the work undertaken today.
Sports Gold Coast congratulates Gold Coast Recreation & Sport Inc., the Active & Healthy Alliance and all speakers, volunteers and organisers for delivering an important event that continues to shape the future of sport across the Gold Coast and beyond.
