Queensland is going live for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games at special celebration sites being activated across the state.
South Bank will be the central hub where Queenslanders can enjoy free coverage and entertainment every day of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, starting 26 July and 28 August respectively.
Additional live sites will be activated across the state throughout the Games including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Longreach, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville and Cairns.
The live sites will feature big-screen Games telecasts as well as special events backing local athletes and inspiring future Olympians and Paralympians, including those who may compete on home soil in 2032.
The live site activities are being supported by local Councils and sporting groups.
“Rockhampton has a long and celebrated history with the Olympics and Paralympics, producing a significant number of athletes across many sports,” said Rockhampton Mayor, Tony Williams.
“This is an exciting opportunity to celebrate another milestone on the road to Brisbane 2032 and to cheer loudly for our Aussie Olympic and Paralympic athletes competing at Paris 2024,” Sunshine Coast Mayor, Rosanna Natoli.
“There’s only one thing better than watching the Olympics and Paralympics and that’s watching it with hundreds of other Aussies cheering on the green and gold,” said Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate.
“The Gold Coast is proud to be hosting live sites at our premier parkland destination – Broadwater Parklands which is earmarked to host the marathon swim and the triathlons in eight years’ time. Bring a blanket or a chair and get amongst the action.”
Mackay Deputy Mayor, Belinda Hassan said the Mackay region was excited to be hosting a Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics live site.
“Council is currently working with the community to activate the Bluewater Quay with food vendors, a big screen and seating on July 27 and 28 for the Olympics LIVE event and we have booked Saturday, August 31, after the Bluewater Fling, and Sunday, September 1, for the Paralympics live screenings,” she said.
“We hope that the community really get behind this activation and use the opportunity to come down and enjoy the beautiful location beside our blue water river.”
Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace said the live sites were the perfect place for Queensland communities to get together and show their support for athletes.
“Our first live site will activate at South Bank on 26 July for the Paris Games Opening Ceremony, just days after we celebrate our own milestone of 8-Years-To-Go until the start of our Games on 23 July 2032.
“All through Paris 2024, Queenslanders will be sharing the special excitement that goes with being a future Games host.”
Australian Olympic Committee Chief Executive Officer, Matt Carroll AM, said the AOC was pleased to partner with the Queensland Government to have official Olympics and Paralympics live sites across Queensland.
“These sites will bring Queenslanders together united in support of the Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams in Paris broadcast live and free on Nine at the Live sites,” he said.
“Sport has the power to inspire our youth to be the best they can be, and open opportunity as we head to our home Games, Brisbane 2032.”
Paralympics Australia Interim CEO, Cameron Murray congratulated the Queensland Government for its commitment to supporting Olympics and Paralympics LIVE at South Bank and across regional QLD.
“The Australian Paralympic Team has strong representation from across the State and having these events provide will be a great chance for communities to come together and watch their Paralympic heroes,” said Mr Murray.
“With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, I have no doubt we’ll have children in the crowd who will go on to represent Queensland and Australia at the Paralympic Games in the future.”
Australian Paralympic Team co-captain, Curtis McGrath said it was fantastic to know that friends, families and fans will have the opportunity to cheer on the Australian Paralympic Team at Paralympics LIVE events around Queensland.
“I encourage everyone to get out to a Paralympics LIVE event or host a watch party to support our team as we compete in Paris,” he said.
More details on the live sites and other community activities are available here Q2032.au
Live site locations and dates:
- Brisbane – South Bank, 26 July to 11 August and 28 August to 8 September
- Cairns – Shields Street Lawns, 27 to 28 July and 30 August to 1 September
- Gold Coast – Broadwater Parklands, 27 to 28 July and 6 to 8 September
- Sunshine Coast – Jack Morgan Park, Coolum Beach, 27 July and UniSC Arena, Sippy Downs, 29 August
- Townsville – Riverway, 2 to 4 August and 30 August to1 September
- Longreach – Edkins Park, 27 to 28 July and 30 August to 1 September
- Mackay – Bluewater Quay, 27 to 28 July and 31 August to 1 September
- Rockhampton – River Festival 26 to 28 July
- Paris 2024 goes LIVE from 27 July to 12 August (AEST) for the Olympic Games and 29 August to 9 September (AEST) for the Paralympic Games.
