The NSW Government is thrilled to kick off nation-wide celebration events to officially welcome home the Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams, with Sydneysiders encouraged to join in the green and gold party atmosphere in Darling Harbour this Friday.
The free lunchtime celebration will include Olympians and Paralympians from NSW. Fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet their favourite sports stars, hear their inspiring stories during a Q&A session with Nine Olympic host Allison Langdon, and show their support for the inspirational individuals who made the state and nation so proud with their achievements in Paris.
Everyone is encouraged to head to Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour from 12pm-1.30pm on Friday, to help create an unforgettable welcome home celebration for our athletes, with the chance to grab an autograph while enjoying the tunes of Sneaky Sound System.
The Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia with the support of state and territory governments are hosting a series of 10 events in cities across the nation, with Sydney the first of the series on Friday, September 13.
With nearly a third of the 460-member Australian Olympic Team and nearly a quarter of the 160-member Paralympian Team hailing from NSW, the event will provide an opportunity for the community to show its gratitude to the athletes who represented Australia exceptionally on the global sporting stage.
The NSW Government is committed to supporting its sporting people in pursuing their dreams - and in a historic first, proudly 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.
For more information about the NSW Welcome Home Celebration visit the Darling Harbour website. For information about celebrations around the nation, visit the AOC website.
Fans are encouraged to use public transport to travel to and from Darling Harbour. Visit transportnsw.info to plan your trip.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"Our Olympic and Paralympic Games athletes have done us so proud on the global sporting stage and their inspirational achievements brought us together as a state and a nation. Every athlete represents a host of people who support them.
"Friday will be the perfect opportunity for everyone, from office workers to families and friends, to publicly acknowledge and congratulate our athletes on their amazing sporting success in Paris and the spirit in which they competed.
Sydney is a proud Olympic and Paralympic city, and we can't wait to give our NSW athletes a final 'Aussie, Aussie, Aussie', on Friday."
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"Throughout the Games, fans have gathered at the live site at Darling Harbour to cheer on our Olympic and Paralympic sporting heroes."
"Our athletes brought us together as a state and nation, and it's fitting we celebrate together in a sea of green and gold again on Friday at Tumbalong Park."
"Tumbalong Park is Sydney's newest public space and outdoor venue in the heart of the city, opposite the International Convention Centre."
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
"We are extremely proud of the NSW athletes, and all Aussies who competed at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. They inspired families, communities and cities across our state and nation."
"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, supporting their journey to Paris."
Chief Executive Officer Australian Olympic Committee Matt Carroll AM said:
"Bringing the two champion teams together is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate what is great about sport. These welcome home events will be the first opportunity children and families will have to meet their Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic heroes, and really connect with their athletes."
"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."
Paralympics Australia CEO - Interim Cameron Murray said:
"Our athletes have shown the world the best of Australian sport and the best of the Australian character. But so much of what they achieved could not have happened without the backing of millions of Australians, who showed their support in so many different ways.
"These welcome home events are a chance for our athletes to say thank you and to bring the message home that great things happen through sport. The support of the NSW Government and the LIVE events at Tumbalong Park during the Paralympics has been extraordinary."
Paris Olympian and Olympic Silver medallist Grae Morris said:
"It's incredible to celebrate with Sydneysiders and thank NSW for their overwhelming support. Competing and representing Australia was unforgettable, and I'm truly grateful to everyone who got behind us."
Australian Paralympian flag bearer Madison de Rozario said:
"The team is thrilled to be back in Australia, after an incredible Paralympic Games in Paris. Friday will be a great opportunity to celebrate our achievements and thank the people of NSW for the love and support they showed the team in Paris."
