Calls to make play a priority in Brisbane 2032 Olympic planning

All athletes begin as children who play, and the Play 32 Collective, says embedding play into policies, planning, and investment strategies will help strengthen Australia's sporting future, and our communities as a whole.

"Without play, there is no pathway to sport, and without investment in children's play, we risk missing the most powerful, preventative, and equitable legacy the Games could leave," the group's position paper states.

Play Matters Australia's CEO, Penny Creamer, said: "Play supports brain development, physical health, mental wellbeing, and social skills. It contributes to school readiness, emotional regulation, and lifelong learning; while outdoor play increases physical activity, enhances motor skills, and fosters resilience, curiosity, and problem-solving," Ms Creamer said.

"Play is both the start and the spark of a sporting nation and a child who plays is more likely to be physically active throughout life."

Dr Geoff Woolcock, from the University of Southern Queensland's Institute for Resilient Regions, said: "The core challenge is that not all children have equal access to play. The Olympic and Paralympic implementation offers a key opportunity to ensure this happens. Playable cities, towns and regions must be embedded in planning, transport design, and infrastructure delivery to ensure the wellbeing of our young people, the strength of our communities, and environmental sustainability through nature-based experiences."

Past Olympic Games have not significantly increased long-term sports participation, and in some cases have seen sports participation decrease. Brisbane 2032 is a chance to change that by embedding play as the true foundation for an active engaged life.

Play 32 Collective is calling on Governments at all levels, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee, and community leaders across Australia to champion play as a legacy priority by:

• Embedding play in legacy strategy, infrastructure, and policy
• Investing in community-led, culturally grounded, and inclusive play initiatives
• Ensuring co-design with children is central to all legacy projects
• Strengthening the workforce across early childhood, health, education, and community sectors
• Making equitable access to play a measurable and visible legacy outcome.

"This is our chance to do something bigger than sport. Let's make Brisbane 2032 a Games that honours every child's right to play - and leaves a legacy of wellbeing, belonging, and bold ambition for the generations who follow," the position paper states.

The Play 32 Collective's position paper can be found here. It will be launched during the International Play Association Asia Pacific Play Conference, held in Melbourne later this week.

The Play32 Collective includes Australian Institute of Play, Design Institute of Australia, Little Athletics QLD, Play Australia, Play Matters Australia, Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership (an initiative of Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth) and University of Southern Queensland.