Gold medallist hits hoops close to home

Long-time Greenbank resident Kurt Thomson etched his name in the history books when he won a gold medal for Australia at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The Birmingham event was the first to host 3-on-3 para-sport wheelchair basketball, so it was a special moment when the Australian team clinched the gold medal match 11-9 against Canada.

Kurt has lived in Greenbank for almost 20 years and is delighted with the recent upgrades to Lavelle Park, including a new basketball half-court.

‘The court is less than a kilometre from my front door,’ Kurt says.

‘My son Jacob and I love that we can play so close to home and walk and push there together.

‘It’s even more exciting that the court is accessible to both my day wheelchair and basketball wheelchair.’

In addition to his gold medal performance at the Commonwealth Games, Kurt was awarded an Australian Sports Medal for sporting excellence, which was presented by Queensland Governor Dr Jeanette Young.

Kurt also participates in the Sporting Wheelies’ Inclusive School Sports Program, which provides interactive sessions for children to participate in a range of para sports.

Kurt, his wife Kara, and Jacob were special guests at a recent event celebrating the Lavelle Park renewal project.

Division 11 Councillor Natalie Willcocks says it is wonderful to see Kurt and Jacob using the new court.

‘It was great to welcome our community to the improved park, and especially Kurt’s extended family,’ Cr Willcocks says.

More park upgrades are planned throughout Division 11, including a pump track at Ison Park and playground upgrades at Wearing Park and Crystal Brook Park.