- Angela Ballard has been appointed to the Board of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee.
- Ms Ballard will sit in the Recent Paralympian Director position.
- She replaces Kurt Fearnley on the Board following his resignation.
The Crisafulli Government has appointed Paralympian Angela Ballard to the Board of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee.
Ms Ballard will fill the Recent Paralympian Director position and replace Kurt Fearnley who has resigned from the role.
Ms Ballard brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience as a former Paralympic athlete, representing Australia in athletics at seven Paralympic Games, including most recently at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, winning eight medals for her country.
The Recent Paralympian Director position is required to be filled by an athlete who competed for Australia at either or both of the two most recent Paralympic Games.
It is one of 15 positions on the Board, tasked with overseeing Games planning and delivery and ensuring a lasting legacy for Queensland.
Mr Fearnley had held the position since April 2022 and was part of the Board's first meeting. He will continue to serve on the Board's Athletes and Sport Advisory Group.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said Ms Ballard's appointment was the perfect choice.
"Angela Ballard is an Australian legend, and I know she'll continue her journey as a highly respected advocate for para-sport in her new role." Minister Mander said.
"Winning 8 medals for Australia is a reflection of her determination and hard-work, and its these attributes that will serve her well in delivering a fantastic Paralympic Games in 2032.
"I would also like to thank Kurt Fearnley for his contributions in the role for more than three years, and I wish him well with his continued position on the Board's Athletes and Sport Advisory Group."
Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee (Brisbane 2032) President, Andrew Liveris praised Mr Fearnley, saying he had been pivotal in ensuring what matters most to those with a disability had been heard loud and clear as part of Board discussions and overall planning for the Games.
"Kurt is an inspirational motivator no matter the audience or cause. When he talks, people listen and take action, and our Board is incredibly grateful to have had him serve as part of it," Mr Liveris said.
"As Kurt leaves the Board, I'm delighted to welcome Angie, whose record speaks for itself amongst the Paralympic community. We are firmly focused on ensuring inclusion and access is universally part of our Games and I have no doubt Angie will play a significant role as part of our decisions."
Paralympian and new 2032 Organising Committee Board member Angela Ballard said she was humbled by the appointment.
"I have been fortunate to have represented Australia at seven Paralympic Games, and I am honoured to be able to continue my Games journey through serving on the Board," Ms Ballard said.
"I know the joy of competing on the biggest stage of all, and I am determined to help make the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games an incredible and memorable experience for the athletes from across the world."
