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Welcome home our Olympic and Paralympic athletes

This free, family-friendly event was held from 3:30 pm on Saturday 14 September at Melbourne Park Oval

A homecoming event celebrating Olympians and Paralympians returning to Victoria was held at Melbourne Park Oval on Saturday 14 September 2024.

It was a chance for Victorians to congratulate and engage with athletes and officials returning from Paris, and to recognise Australia’s most successful Olympic Games to-date.

Sports fans of all ages had the chance to meet their favourite athletes, chat about their experience in Paris, and capture their special moment with a selfie and autograph.

Fans also enjoyed free sports activities, including a Melbourne Victory soccer field, basketball, wheelchair tennis and badminton ,as well as roving performers and cheerleaders, face painting, and music from DJ Cooper Smith.

The event was hosted by renowned Australian journalist and news presenter, Alicia Loxley, who led a question and answer session with Jemima Montag, Tess Madgen, Danni Di Toro and Emily Petricola.

The Premier of Victoria, the Honourable Jacinta Allan MP reflected on the success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the ability to bring people together, and the excitement of the next generation of athletes to come.

Despite the intermittent rain in the lead-up to the event, the sun shone for the athlete presentation and video reflections, and post-formalities fun.

Thank you to Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia and City of Melbourne for their support in delivering this event. And especially to everyone who braved the weather to show their support for our Australian athletes.

Check out the video above and photos below for some highlights of the day.

  • A line of athletes wearing matching tracksuits are smiling and waving as they walk down a walkway that is lined by people watching them.
  • A man in a crowd of people is holding a child who is waving a flag.
  • A crowd of people lining up behind a fence are waving flags as they greet a line of athletes wearing matching tracksuits, a person in a wheelchair leads the line of athletes with 3 others following behind on foot.
  • A woman with dark blonde hair in a long maroon coat hugs a person in a wheelchair.
  • Children wearing yellow bucket hats and winter coats kicking a soccer ball on a field of green grass.

  • Victoria’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes arriving at the Welcome Home Event.

    Victoria’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes arriving at the Welcome Home Event.

  • Guests greeting Victoria’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes at the Welcome Home Event.

  • Guests got the chance to meet some of Victoria’s Paralympic athletes at the Welcome Home Event.

  • Hon Jacinta Allan MP, Premier of Victoria, spoke on behalf of the people of Victoria and congratulated Victoria’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

  • Guests of all ages were treated to sports activations and free entertainment at the Welcome Home Event.

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