SA’s Olympians and Paralympians will be welcomed home at a grand public event in Rundle Mall this Sunday. This special occasion will showcase the incredible achievements of our athletes and offer a chance for fans to celebrate their successes up close.
The festivities kick off at 12:30 p.m., where Olympians and Paralympians will be greeted on stage near Gawler Place by Premier Peter Malinauskas and Lord Mayor of Adelaide Jane Lomax-Smith. The event will be hosted by Nine’s Brenton Ragless.
Following the official welcome, athletes will mingle with the public, signing autographs and posing for photographs. It’s a perfect opportunity for fans to connect with their heroes and celebrate their remarkable accomplishments.
The Rundle Mall event will feature speeches from Olympic Gold Medallist in Track Cycling Conor Leahy, Opal and Bronze Medallist Isobel Borlase, dual Bronze Medallist and Track Cyclist Matthew Glaetzer, and Para-rowing Gold Medal duo Nikki Ayers and Jed Altswager.
South Australia has every reason to cheer, having contributed significantly to the most successful Australian team in Olympic history. At the recent Paris Olympic Games, Australia’s 460-strong squad earned a spectacular 53 medals – 18 gold, 19 silver, and 16 bronze – across a variety of sports.
The success of South Australian athletes at the Paris Games was nothing short of spectacular.
Kyle Chalmers solidified his status as Australia’s premier freestyle sprinter with a silver in the 100m Freestyle and contributed to silver and bronze medals in relay events.
In track cycling, Matthew Glaetzer and Leigh Hoffman both earned bronze medals, while the Men’s Team Pursuit team of Sam Welsford, Kelland O’Brien, Conor Leahy, and Oliver Bleddyn clinched gold and set a new world record.
The Opals also made waves, securing a bronze medal in a thrilling 81-85 victory over Belgium, marking their first Olympic medal since London 2012.
In the Paralympics, a dedicated team of 160 athletes showcased their skills across 17 sports at the 2024 Paralympic Games, earning 63 medals – including 18 golds!
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas says that like most of the country, he was inspired by the feats of our amazing Olympic team in Paris.
“I’m sure South Australians will relish the opportunity to see their Olympic heroes and I personally look forward to welcoming the athletes and their families and hearing about their Olympic experience,” he said.
Lord Mayor of Adelaide Jane Lomax-Smith says she was glued to her screen for the 19 days of competition watching 46 Olympians from South Australia display incredible talent and sportsmanship while competing in the pool, on the track, or on the court at the Paris Games.
“Now our 14 South Australian Paralympians are having their turn!” she added.
“This event in Rundle Mall gives our city the opportunity to celebrate our athletes’ achievements and personally congratulate them.”
Australian Olympic Committee CEO, Matt Carroll, says he is excited about the joint celebration.
“For the first time, we’re excited to bring together the Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams in joint events, celebrating their achievements after the Paris Games,” he said.
“The series of welcome home events across the nation are a chance for all Australians to honor their athletes and be inspired by their achievements.”
Paralympics Australia Interim CEO Cameron Murray added, “Bringing together our Australian Paralympic and Olympic teams for a joint celebration in Adelaide will be wonderful.
“These athletes inspire the nation, and it’s fitting that we honor their achievements together.”
Mark your calendars for September 15th and come out to celebrate the champions who have made our nation proud. It’s going to be an unforgettable day of joy, pride, and inspiration!
WHAT: SA Olympian and Paralympian Welcome Home
WHERE: Gawler Place, Rundle Mall
WHEN: Sunday 15th of September
PRICE: FREE
MORE INFO: rundlemall.com
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