Good Things to Come

Good Things to Come

The BGS community is fortunate to have many highly informed voices influencing our budding athletes, as well as contributing to the mapping of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics on a broader scale. In this edition of Grammar News, we speak with four prominent voices about the Games coming to Brisbane in 2032.

As they reflect on personal experiences and weigh up the collateral effects of our city hosting the Games, the consensus is that this is an exciting but challenging prospect, brimming with immense potential. An opportunity that will have significant transformative impacts on Queensland’s athletes, tourism, economy, infrastructure and overall future.

Tom Court

Associate Director, Urban Design and Sustainable Infrastructure and Strategic Partnerships, University of Queensland, and Head of BGS Rugby

Toby Jenkins

Old Boy ‘97, Olympic Water Polo, Athens 2004

To think that we would have that kind of exposure in Brisbane... Is such an incredible opportunity for us and our children. - Toby Jenkins

Bobby Jovanovich

BGS Swim Club Director and Head Coach, Swim Aus World Short Course Coach for Budapest, 2025

Brett Clarke

Old Boy ‘85, Director of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games

There is a local procurement policy in place to give preference to local companies to be involved. - Brett Clarke

Q1: How will Brisbane benefit from hosting the 2032 Games?

Brett: “The Games are a gift. It is estimated they will generate $17.6 billion in economic and social benefits across the nation. They will raise global awareness and draw commercial attention from the biggest brands and businesses in the world, bringing their expertise, innovation and wallets to the host city. It will drive economic productivity locally, delivering thousands of jobs, improved infrastructure, and upskilling of workforces and industries. There is a local procurement policy in place to give preference to local companies to be involved. [These local companies] will promote Brisbane, Queensland and Australia as global destinations of choice and showcase our culture and attractions to a global audience.”

Toby: “As we saw in Paris, the sheer amount of attention a city gets from hosting the Games is incredible. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to expose Brisbane to a global audience. I have no doubt there will be huge and lasting economic and social benefits to hosting one of the most popular events in the world. It’s such a great way to bring people together.”

Q2: How will the games grow grassroots sports?

Tom: The Games will spark greater interest in sports among students and local communities, motivating more young athletes to engage in physical activities. Enhanced partnerships betwee schools, sports clubs, and community organisations will lead to collaborative programs and initiatives that promote sports participation. Additionally, the increased funding and support generated by the Games will support and expand grassroots sports programs, ensuring long-term growth and development.”

Bobby: “The significance of hosting an Olympic Games at home cannot be overstated. It serves as a powerful testament to the potential of our grassroots sports as the birthplace of future Olympic champions. This underscores the critical nature of your support and investment in grassroots sports, as they serve as the foundation for our nation’s sporting success on the global stage.”

Q3: What drives your passion in this field?

Tom: “I was very lucky to be surrounded by good people who were generous with their advice and support.”

Brett: “It is so rewarding to think the hard work we all do now will have such a lasting impact on the society in which we live.”

Toby: “I remember the Oarsome Foursome coming to speak at BGS when I was in Year 9. That first planted the seed that an Olympics might be possible. I took on the advice of rower Mike McKay, which he’d painted on his own boat: “If not now, when? If not me, who?”. I reflected on that for my whole journey to Athens. To think that we would have that kind of exposure in Brisbane... is such an incredible opportunity for us and our children.”

Bobby: “The profound and life-altering lessons gained from being a swimmer and now a coach in such a wonderful sport are the quintessential life experiences that bestow upon you an internal knowing that success is attainable through dedicated investment of time, untiring effort, and steadfast patience.”