The New South Wales (NSW) Government is set to transform the state into a vibrant display of green and gold in support of the Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams as they compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With NSW being home to nearly a third of the 460-member Australian Olympic Team and a significant number of Paralympians, the state is keen to highlight its substantial representation on the global sporting stage.
To rally support for these athletes, the NSW Government will feature green and gold themes across its digital platforms. During both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the state’s website and social media profiles will be adorned in these national colors. Additionally, Service NSW screens throughout the state will display messages of encouragement for the competitors.
In a stunning display of solidarity, the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated in green and gold on the evening of Thursday, 1 August 2024. This iconic gesture will celebrate the dedication and achievements of Australia’s Olympians and Paralympians and precedes the Australian Olympic Committee’s ‘Green & Gold Day’ on Friday, 2 August. On this day, Australians are encouraged to wear the nation’s colors to show their support for the athletes in Paris.
Fans in Sydney will have the opportunity to gather at Darling Harbour’s free Live Site, which will feature giant screens broadcasting live and replayed coverage from 12pm to 11pm daily. This initiative, part of Olympics & Paralympics LIVE, aims to foster nationwide celebrations and create a communal viewing experience.
Additionally, Matildas supporters can enjoy free live screenings of their matches against Zambia and the United States at the Sydney Opera House Playhouse. Tickets for these screenings are available online until sold out.
In a groundbreaking move, the NSW Government has allocated equal funding of $750,000 to both the Olympic and Paralympic Teams to support their preparations for the Paris Games.
For those interested in attending the Sydney Opera House screenings, tickets can be booked at Sydney Opera House – Matildas Live Olympic Screenings. Information about the Darling Harbour Live Site can be found at Darling Harbour – Olympics & Paralympics LIVE Site. Details about Green and Gold Day are available at Australian Olympic Committee – Green and Gold Day.
The NSW Government encourages fans to use public transport to and from the Live Site. For transport planning, visit Transport NSW.
Statements from NSW Officials and Athletes
Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, emphasized the state’s enthusiasm, saying, “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, echoed this sentiment, stating, “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, highlighted the communal aspect of the screenings, saying, “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, encouraged participation at the Live Site, “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.”
Australian Olympic Committee CEO, Matt Carroll AM, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “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, also praised the initiative, saying, “The support of the NSW Government for the Australian Paralympic Team is deeply appreciated as we finalize 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, shared his excitement, “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, added, “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.”
