The EMPOWER Project – the first Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Legacy Project

Chief Investigators: Michael Schuetz, Michelle Moss, Matthew Ames, Luen Pearce, Mark Connick, Kerrie Mengersen, Martin O’Flaherty, Sean Tweedy, John Cairney, Kelsey Chapman, Amy Anderson, Rebecca Cason, Stephen Coulter

The EMPOWER project is a partnership between JTI and Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN), funded by the Queensland Government. EMPOWER will enhance the understanding and collection of data about participation of Queenslanders with disability in sport and recreation across the State.

Key stakeholders undertaking and championing the EMPOWER research with JTI and QDN are the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the Co-Design Team led by people with disability and lived experience. There are many other stakeholders contributing to and involved with the EMPOWER project including Griffith University, the University of Queensland (UQ), Sporting Wheelies and more.

EMPOWER through JTI, QDN and its wider collaborative network aims to produce evidence-based outcomes such as a long-term data collection framework for more inclusive and accessible sports and recreation participation for Queenslanders with disability. EMPOWER is working closely with the Department of Sport, Racing, Olympic and Paralympic Games, Queensland Government to develop a strong foundation for vibrant, inclusive communities and significantly improve overall community wellbeing for all Queenslanders with disabilities towards 2032 and beyond.