The Virtus Oceania Asia Games 2022 Medals were jointly revealed today in Brisbane by Sport Inclusion Australia and the Royal Australian Mint.
The Virtus Oceania Asia Games 2022 (OA Games 2022) will be receiving hundreds of international athletes from over 20 countries, each with a drive to win gold and glory.
Experienced in delivering medals for the past Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games, the Royal Australian Mint produced the OA Games 2022 Medals, continuing their legacy and partnership in growing inclusion through sport.
Joining some of the athletes at the medal reveal was the CEO of the Royal Australian Mint, Mr Leigh Gordon, who made the special trip from Canberra to be the first person to show the athletes what the medal looks like.
Mr Gordon said the Royal Australian Mint was excited to be involved again in inclusive sport and the purpose and vision of the Virtus Oceania Asia Games 2022 resonated with the team.
“The design process for the OA Games 2022 Medals was a collaborative effort, built by coin designer Lydia Ash, with the line drawing of the Brisbane River by Aaron Baggio, and Global Games Medal gum leaves element by Bronwyn Scott. The two sides of the medal design tells the story of Games,” Mr Gordon said.
“One side represents the legacy of the gum leaf design from the Global Games 2019 medal and the other side represents the Brisbane River, the place where both these Games have connection to and the place where future athletes will come back to.”
“The Mint plays an important role in Australia’s history through products like coins and Medals and working on the OA Games 2022 Medals has been a rewarding activity, helping to tell the story of strength, achievement and inclusion of the athletes.”
Robyn Smith OAM, CEO of Sport Inclusion Australia (SIA) and the OA Games 2022 said the Royal Australian Mint has become an important legacy partner on the journey towards a world included through sport.
“It is an important feature of the OA Games 2022 Medal to include the inspiration from Australia’s floral icon the Gum Blossom to represent the athletes – their strength, their courage, and their ability to overcome barriers to flourish against the odds,” said Ms Smith.
“In times of drought, floods and even the intensity of the harsh Australian sun, the gum blossom is resilient and strong, with bright and colourful blossoms.”
“The OA Games 2022 is the first multi-sport event for elite athletes with an intellectual impairment in this region post-COVID, and for many of these athletes who have been resilient in waiting, it’s their chance to shine bright on a world stage.”
“The OA Games 2022 Medals also gives a nod to the Brisbane River for its importance and connection to the host city of Brisbane – an accessible and inclusive city that’s continuing its legacy from Global Games 2019 to the OA Games 2022 and the future towards Brisbane 2032.”
“Medals of the past, present and future are intertwined with history, legacy and relationship between the Royal Australian Mint and Sport Inclusion Australia to create a future where everyone is included through sport.”
The Games are proudly supported by all three levels of government and with the specific design connection to the host city.
Queensland Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe welcomed the inclusion of the Brisbane River on medals for next month’s OA Games 2022.
“Featuring the iconic Brisbane River on winners’ medals will be a lasting reminder for OA Games 2022 competitors, officials and spectators of our welcoming and inclusive city,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“We’re looking forward to seeing Australian and international competitors in Brisbane for the OA Games 2022 and encourage visitors to extend their stay to enjoy more of our great Queensland lifestyle.
“I’m confident the OA Games’ celebration of inclusive sport will inspire emerging athletes with a disability to excel in achieving their goals for the future.”
The Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner said it was an honour to see the Brisbane River incorporated in the OA Games 2022 Medal design, and welcomes the Virtus Games to Brisbane in November.
“Brisbane prides itself on being an active, accessible, and inclusive city and as we look towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games we will continue to support events that drive better inclusion for people living with a disability.
“It’s a privilege to host the first Virtus Oceania Asia Games 2022 in Brisbane.”
