Brisbane has officially revealed the three-word motto that will define the spirit of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: 'Believe. Belong. Become.'
A Slogan Forged from Public Input
The organisers of Brisbane 2032 undertook a significant process to land on the final phrase. They surveyed 6000 people and received a remarkable 1300 individual submissions from the public. To help refine the vision, the committee also brought on board six specialist consultants. The resulting slogan is intended to encapsulate the core values of Brisbane and the shared dreams of athletes globally.
Brisbane 2032 President, Andrew Liveris, explained the deeper meaning behind the choice. He stated that the motto is designed to excite and ignite the fundamental principles the city stands for. Liveris was keen to stress that this is 'not a marketing tool, this is a vision' for the future of the event and the community.
A Global Motto with Local Roots
The launch was visually marked by a striking drone shot that displayed the three words written boldly in the sand on a Queensland beach, emphasising the three Bs. However, the unveiling was quickly followed by the discovery of a significant twist.
The phrase 'Believe. Belong. Become.' is already in common use by hundreds of churches and religious institutions around the world. Examples have been found from the United States to Singapore and extensively across Australia itself.
In Connecticut, USA, a church incorporates it into sermons with the line: 'And once you believe, begin and belong — only God knows what you can become!' Similarly, a pastor in Michigan reminds his congregation of the 'three Bs — belong, believe, become.'
Closer to home, the motto is actively used by several Australian organisations:
- Torrens Valley Christian School in Adelaide
- Riverstone Church in Sydney
- Whitefriars College in Melbourne
- Kawana Life Church on the Sunshine Coast
In a notable coincidence, a marketing video for Torrens Valley Christian School features three boys stating, 'This is a place where I learnt to believe, belong and become.'
Online Debate and Official Reaffirmation
The revelation of the motto's prior usage has sparked considerable discussion on social media, with many users questioning the originality and inspiration behind the Olympic slogan. Despite the debate, Brisbane 2032 organisers firmly stand by their selection.
They maintain that the phrase perfectly reflects the city's unique vision for the Games. Queensland Minister for Sport, Tim Mander, supported this view, highlighting the state's distinctive character. 'Queensland is often seen a little differently from the other states ... this really is our moment,' Mander said, framing the motto as a declaration of Queensland's time to shine on the world stage.
As the countdown to 2032 continues, the motto 'Believe. Belong. Become.' is set to become a central theme, representing both an ambition for the Games and a point of ongoing public conversation.
