A homegrown talent will leverage his experience with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Sydney 2000 Games to shape the sporting program at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Kit McConnell, the current IOC Sports Director will take on the role of Brisbane 2032’s Chief Sport Officer from July this year.
Brisbane 2032 Chief Executive Cindy Hook said Mr McConnell had an extensive career across the international sporting landscape and Olympic Movement, dating back to his role within the Sports Department as part of the Sydney 2000 Games Organising Committee.
Ms Hook said he would bring vast expertise in designing, planning and delivering sport programs and major events.
“Kit brings an incredible level of experience to a role that requires constant stakeholder engagement to ensure the interests of athletes remain at the centre of every aspect of planning and delivering the Games in 2032,” she said.
“In his new role Kit will be responsible for designing our Sport Program, including the consideration of additional sports, and will lead our engagement with the International Federations and National Olympic and Paralympic Committees.”
Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris said the role was vital in not only working with athletes, but with the International Federations and National Olympic and Paralympic Committees to ensure a smooth and seamless process.
“Having had extensive conversations with most of the International Federations and many Committees during the Paris 2024 Games and since, I know how critical it is to provide constant planning and progress updates and to build good relationships with these key stakeholders” Mr Liveris said.
“The fact that Brisbane 2032 has been able to secure the IOC Sports Director to lead our Sport function is a huge coup. The time is right for this appointment, as the development of the 2032 Sport Program is a priority over the next 12-18 months.”
Mr McConnell, a dual Australian and New Zealand national, will be returning home to support the delivery of the Games.
“I am a proud Queenslander and looking forward to returning home after many years overseas,” he said.
“I have fond memories of my time working as part of the Sydney 2000 Games Organising Committee and I never thought I’d have another chance to be part of a second ‘home Games’.”
