The NSW Government will turn the state green and gold in support of the Australian Olympic Team and the Australian Paralympic Team as they compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
With nearly a third of the 460-member Australian Olympic Team, and a significant number of Paralympians, hailing from NSW, showcasing our state's significant representation on the global sporting stage, the NSW Government is backing our athletes all the way.
To demonstrate our support, the NSW Government will transform its website and social media profiles green and gold during both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Service NSW screens across the state will also bear messages of encouragement for our athletes.
The Sydney Opera House shells will be illuminated green and gold on the evening of Thursday, 1 August 2024 in celebration of the dedication and achievement of our Olympians and Paralympians.
This comes ahead of what has been dubbed 'Green & Gold Day' by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) on Friday, 2 August. Everyone is encouraged to wear our nation's colours on this day to show their support for our sporting stars and their inspirational efforts in Paris.
Throughout both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, fans will be able to gather at Sydney's Darling Harbour free Live Site to cheer on our athletes. Giant screens will broadcast live and replayed coverage from 12pm to 11pm daily.
The Live Site is part of Olympics & Paralympics LIVE, an initiative by the AOC and Paralympics Australia, aimed at fostering celebrations at live sites and watch parties around the nation.
Matildas fans can watch live screenings of matches against Zambia and the United States of America next week for free at the Sydney Opera House Playhouse. Tickets are available online until allocation is exhausted.
In a historic first, the NSW Government is proud to have provided equal funding of $750,000 each to the Olympic and Paralympic Teams to help them with the costs of supporting athletes at the Paris Games.
To book tickets for the Sydney Opera House screenings, visit the Sydney Opera House website.
For more information about the Live Site and scheduled activities, please visit the Darling Harbour website.
For more information about Green and Gold Day, please visit the Australian Olympic Committee website.
Fans are encouraged to use public transport to travel to and from the Live Site. Visit transportnsw.info to plan your trip.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"We're getting behind our athletes as they take on the world and bring us together as a state and a nation.
"NSW is a proud Olympic and Paralympic state, and there's no better way to show support for our inspirational athletes in Paris than by lighting up our most iconic landmark, the Sydney Opera House, in green and gold."
Acting Minister for Sport Rose Jackson said:
"We are extremely proud of the NSW athletes, and all Aussies competing, at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Their dedication and commitment are inspiring the next generation of sporting champions.
"This government is incredibly proud to have played a part in making dreams come true by providing equal funding of $750,000 to both the Olympic and Paralympic Teams to help with their preparation for Paris."
Minister for the Arts John Graham said:
"There is nothing like cheering on our Australian athletes together with friends and community.
"The chance to do that at the Sydney Opera House for these two Matildas games will make those moments even more special for some."
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"The free Live Site at Darling Harbour offers everyone the opportunity to come together and cheer on our athletes every day and night during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"I encourage everyone to don their best green and gold outfits and gather with family and friends to watch sporting history unfold."
Chief Executive Officer Australian Olympic Committee Matt Carroll AM said:
"We welcome and thank NSW Premier Minns and his Ministers for their support of the Australian Olympic Team, it is appreciated by the athletes and their sports.
"The support of the Olympic and Paralympic LIVE sites and now getting behind 'Green and Gold Day' by lighting up the Sydney Opera House will be an inspiration to our Team and encourages all Australians to wear the Green and Gold with pride."
Paralympics Australia CEO - Interim Cameron Murray said:
"The support of the NSW Government for the Australian Paralympic Team is deeply appreciated as we finalise preparations for Paris 2024.
"I encourage the people of NSW to get behind our team through attending or hosting Paralympics LIVE events or welcoming our Olympians and Paralympians home at Tumbalong Park."
Rugby Sevens Olympian Maurice Longbottom said:
"It's great to get the support from back home. It's a special moment for the sails to be lit up - it doesn't happen every day.
"People need to know that the athletes here in Paris really do feel all the passion coming from everyone back in Australia, so it's an exciting gesture.
"We wear green and gold every day over here and with great pride. We look forward to seeing the images when it happens, it'll be a buzz!"
Boccia BC3 Paralympian Jamieson Leeson said:
"Paralympics LIVE is a great way to support the Australian Paralympic Team and bring us closer together, despite the distance.
"As an athlete who grew up in regional NSW, knowing we will have the support from home while we chase our goals and show what is possible in Paris will mean the world to us.
"We want to inspire and engage Australians, with or without an impairment, to be the best versions of themselves and to meet life's challenges."
