The Northern Territory Government is thrilled to welcome home Australia’s Olympians and Paralympians in a grand celebration at venues across the Greater Darwin area on Saturday, 5 October.
The event is being held in conjunction with the Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia and is one of 10 events being held across the nation to celebrate the success of the Olympic and Paralympic Teams.
Territorians are encouraged to head to Casuarina Square Shopping Centre Casuarina Square from 12pm on Saturday, to create an unforgettable welcome home celebration for the teams.
After signing autographs and talking to the fans, the athletes will then head to the newly opened Casuarina Pool from 1pm and then onto the SWELL at the Palmerston Recreation Centre to participate in Have a Go sports with local children and encouraging everyone to get involved in Olympic and Paralympic sports.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the event would provide a great opportunity for Territorians to meet the teams, grab a selfie or an autograph with their heroes and be inspired by hearing stories of the Paris Games directly from our Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
“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 nation,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
“Saturday will be the perfect opportunity for everyone to congratulate our athletes on their amazing sporting success in Paris and the spirit in which they competed.
“Darwin is a proud of the achievements of our Olympic and Paralympic athletes, and we can’t wait to give our athletes a final ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie’, on Saturday.”
Minister for Sport Jinson Charls said, “We are extremely proud of our athletes, and their dedication to sport resulting in the ultimate goal of competing at an Olympic or Paralympic Games. They have inspired families and communities across the territory.”
“Having these athletes engaging with young people and connecting them with sport and the spirit of the Olympics is crucial to how we inspire them to create the best versions of themselves,” Mr Charls said.
Australian Olympic Committee Chief Executive Officer 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 the Northern Territory Chief Minister Finocchiaro and her Ministers for their support of the Australian Olympic Team, it is appreciated by the athletes and their sports.”
Paralympics Australia Interim CEO Cameron Murray said, “Paralympics Australia is grateful for the support of the Northern Territory government in the lead-up to Paris 2024 and we thank Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro’s new government for hosting our Paralympic and Olympic stars at this welcome home reception. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our athletes to meet with the local community and to say thank you.
“The 2024 Australian Paralympic Team featured several athletes from the Northern Territory, including representatives in swimming, wheelchair basketball, track and field, cycling and wheelchair rugby. We look forward to building our ties and sporting pathways in the Territory so more people there have the chance to pursue sport and perhaps one day represent the nation.”
