Huge opportunity for Cairns as Paris 2024 Olympics approach

Cairns is hosting a live celebration site on Shields Street lawns in the CBD for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Find out more.

PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 11: Workers are setting up logos during the media visit of Paris 2024 South Arena on July 11, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)

Cairns is hosting a live celebration site on Shields Street lawns in the CBD for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Games will be broadcast on a big screen set up on Shields Street which will also host events and inspire future Olympians and Paralympians, including potential 2032 competitors.

Queensland's homegrown Olympic athlete Matt Denny from Allora is competing in the discus event in the Paris 2024 games and said live sites would help regional athletes connect with their communities when abroad.

“I grew up a country kid and you often feel the distance can disconnect you. Having live sites around Queensland will go a long way for all the local communities to catch up and get behind the teams in Paris,” he said.

Speedo, the Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia reveal the Australian aquatic uniforms for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Brisbane. Lani Pallister. Picture: Nigel Hallett

State Development and Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace said the Cairns live site was an ideal way for Queenslanders to share in this year’s Olympic action while counting down to the 2032 Games, which will be hosted in Brisbane.

“All through Paris 2024, Queenslanders will be sharing the special excitement that goes with being a future Games host,” she said.

The special live event is also a taste of what's to come for Cairns residents, with the city set to host Olympic football preliminary matches for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt encouraged residents to dress in green and gold and enjoy the excitement.

“We’re encouraging locals to get along to Shields Street to savour the best of the Paris 2024 Games,” he said.

“It’s also a reminder that the eight-year countdown is on to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will see Cairns host Olympic football preliminary matches.”

The announcement of the nine member Olympic Diving Team for Paris 2024 was held at Brisbane Aquatic Centre, Melissa Wu will take part in her 5th Olympics. Picture: Adam Head.

Other sites will be activated across the Queensland including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Longreach, Rockhampton, Mackay and Townsville.

Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President Andrew Liveris said: “The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be shared across Queensland and these live sites are just a taste of what’s in store in the years ahead, as we celebrate sport together.

“Queenslanders will be right behind their Olympic and Paralympic teams as they go for gold in Paris and it’s fantastic that so many local communities will be able to share in the excitement as part of Olympics and Paralympics live sites.”

The free broadcast coverage of the Games is on July 27 to 28 and August 30 to September 1.

Originally published as Huge opportunity for Cairns as Paris 2024 Olympics approach