The starter's gun has sounded in Toowoomba, kicking off the Palaszczuk Government's Youfor2032 Queensland athlete search for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Sport Minister and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympic and Paralympic Sport and Engagement Stirling Hinchliffe said Youfor2032 was Australia's largest ever athlete talent identification program.
"Youfor2032 registrations open today, giving coaches, teachers and parents the chance to nominate aspiring young Queensland athletes for a fast-track to the medal winners' podium at the 2032 Games," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"In Toowoomba, experts from the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) have given local students a sample of the Youfor2032 athlete testing program.
"Initially the QAS anticipates up to 50,000 Youfor2032 registrations with talent scouts selecting 20,000 young Queenslanders for comprehensive athletic testing.
"Each will be assessed for speed, endurance, agility, resilience, cognitive ability, winning mindset and determination for gold in 2032.
"Youfor2032 expects to discover around 400 athletes, giving them access to great coaches, excellent facilities and expert support to accelerate development across 17 sports, from triathlon to sprint canoeing.
"This isn't the only road to Brisbane 2032, Youfor2032 is an alternative pathway to help maximise the number of podium-ready Queenslanders for Queensland's Games.
"Funding for the QAS has been doubled to $29.3 million by the Palaszczuk Government to help high-performance experts find and nurture our potential stars of 2032."
Talent scouts begin testing up to 20,000 young athletes across Queensland from next month, starting in Toowoomba on 13 May.
The talent identification program is looking for potential Olympians aged 13 to 23 and prospective Paralympians from 13 to 30.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) congratulated the QAS on providing a strong pathway for Queenslanders to play Olympic sport.
"Youfor2032 will spread awareness, spark interest in Brisbane 2032 and hopefully inspire young athletes to chase their Olympic dreams," the AOC said.
Paralympics Australia CEO Catherine Clark said a Paralympics at home provided a once-in-a-generation opportunity not only for emerging para-athletes, but more broadly for people with a disability.
"High-performance requires incredible courage, hard work and perseverance. These are traits Queenslanders are renowned for, so I am confident we are going to unearth some exciting talent," Ms Clark said.
QAS CEO Chelsea Warr said there are already great talent pathways operating at the local, regional, state and national levels where athletes are identified and given opportunities.
"Youfor2032 is about widening the net further and ensuring no stone is left unturned in providing aspiring athletes the opportunity to see how good they can be," Ms Warr said.
"The testing sessions unfold in partnership with schools, universities, councils and school sport districts.
"We want to provide you an opportunity to see how good you could be, while recognising the journey of pursing excellence is demanding."
Olympic discus athlete Matthew Denny is excited about the potential of Youfor2032.
"Being a rural produced athlete, I remember the struggles of needing more support to reach my dreams," he said.
"I'm so excited to see the athletes Youfor2032 will develop and the legacy it will create".
To register go to: qld.gov.au/Youfor2032.
