Cheer on our Paralympians at LIVE site

The big screen returns to the city this weekend for residents and visitors to cheer on their Paralympic teams.

The LIVE site will feature Nine Network big-screen Games broadcasts as well as special events backing local athletes and inspiring future athletes, including those who may compete in the Brisbane Games in 2032.

Mayor Amy Eden encouraged everyone to head to the Esplanade, decked in their country colours, to take part in the excitement of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

“Our community came out in force for the Olympics LIVE site a fortnight ago, creating a great atmosphere to watch our sporting stars strive for gold. In fact, we had the second largest attendance of the nine Queensland cities that hosted public screenings,” Cr Eden said.

“With home-grown swimming star Grant ‘Scooter’ Paterson once again hitting the pool there’s added incentive to share in the excitement of the Paralympic Games.

“Cairns is home to a wide range of nationalities, so I’m sure the LIVE site will come alive with people not just cheering on the Aussies, but athletes from around the globe.”

As well as the big screen, kids can try their hand at popular Olympic sports and some less ‘traditional’ activities, from soccer, table tennis and archery, to rugby, ring toss and hula hoops.

Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority Interim CEO Emma Thomas said joining the LIVE site excitement was a great way to support our Australian athletes.

“Queensland support for our Aussie athletes shows how much their incredible stories influence us all,” she said.

“By returning to our local community LIVE sites we’ll be supporting our strong and competitive athletes, our Paralympians. Their performances will give us some powerful insights into how sport enlivens people and places and how exciting it is to be creating our own Games legacy for Queensland.”

Coinciding with the final weekend of Cairns Festival, residents are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket, friends, family and their biggest ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie’ to the LIVE site and stay on for the array of arts and cultural events happening through the city.

LIVE site details

Location: Western Events Lawn – in front of the Reef Eye ferris wheel

Saturday (31 August): from 9am to 6pm

Sunday (1 September): from 9am to 4pm