Qld Olympians, Paralympians to be welcomed home on September 14

Queensland’s Olympians have returned to a hero’s welcome, and both they and our Paralympians will get an official reception too.

Queensland Olympians and Paralympians will be honoured in a welcome-home celebration in the aftermath of Australia’s most successful Games.

The announcement came as the Olympians arrived home in Brisbane on Wednesday.

Fans will be able to celebrate the state’s elite champions on September 14 at a welcome-home celebration at Brisbane’s South Bank, co-hosted by the state government and Brisbane City Council.

It is understood Australia’s 2024 Paris Games swim team, including Queenslanders Ariarne Titmus, Mollie O’Callaghan, Kaylee McKeown and Zac Stubblety-Cook, will be among those in attendance.

Queensland’s Paralympians, set to begin their campaign in Paris in two weeks, will also be celebrated when they return in the first joint celebration after this year’s Games.

Queensland Olympians including Meg Harris and Kaylee McKeown arrive in Brisbane on Wednesday. Picture: Liam Kidston

Paralympics Australia chief executive Cameron Murray said: “These athletes, across both teams, inspire the nation and it’s fitting that we honour their achievements together, right here in the heart of Queensland.”

The official proceedings will commence with the athletes’ arrival at 10am at the Cultural Forecourt South Bank.

Premier Steven Miles will host a formal dinner later in the day.

“Here in Queensland, we are home to some of the greatest sporting talent – not only in the nation, but in the world,” he said.

“At the close of the Olympics, we can reflect on the participation, sportsmanship and success of the Australian team and call-out the Queenslanders who so proudly represented their nation in green and gold.

“I’m looking forward to cheering on our Paralympians before welcoming both teams back home and celebrating their joint achievements at Brisbane’s South Bank.”