Sporting fans will be able to celebrate Victoria's Olympic and Paralympic athletes as they return home from Paris.
The Allan Labor Government is partnering with the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia and City of Melbourne to stage a welcome home parade Saturday 14 September from 3.30 pm at Melbourne Park Oval.
Fans of all ages will be treated to a range of entertainment at the event, with live sport activations, DJ performances, food trucks, and most importantly, the chance to meet and interact with Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
Melbourne is the sporting capital of Australia, and we are proud to welcome home and congratulate our Victorian athletes from the world stage.
The Labor Government contributed $1.5 million to Australia's Olympic and Paralympic Teams, which gave our athletes the support they deserved to do us proud at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Australia won a total of 53 medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, including 18 gold, 19 silver and 16 bronze - making it our most successful Olympics in terms of gold medals won.
Our Paralympic athletes are still working hard in Paris, before the event comes to a close on 8 September 2024.
More information about the event will be made available in due course and published at vic.gov.au/welcomehome
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"Victoria's Olympic and Paralympic athletes have done us proud in Paris. This is our chance to give them the welcome home they deserve and celebrate their success."
"Like so many families, ours couldn't get enough of the Games. And I hope coming along to meet some of our stars will inspire the next generation of athletes."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"The Paris Olympics was a sensational event and we're so proud of all our Australian athletes- but we're especially proud of our Victorian stars and this parade is our way of celebrating them."
As stated by City of Melbourne Mayor Nicholas Reece
"Melbourne is Australia's original Olympic city, and we are going to paint the town green and gold to celebrate the return of our triumphant athletes."
"Nothing unites Australians like the Games - and we invite all Melburnians to come to the city and be part of history, a joyous welcome home for our Olympians."
