100 Days to Games - Live Sites to Light Olympic Spirit

As the clock ticks over to 100 days to go to the start of the Tokyo Olympic Games on 23 July 2021, the Australian Olympic Committee today confirmed a national series of live sites will go ahead during the Games.

Olympics Live presented by Westpac includes live sites in Sydney (The Rocks & Sydney Olympic Park), Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth which will operate during the Olympic Games, from 23 July to 8 August 2021, taking advantage of the one hour time zone difference

While the live sites will be tailored for each community, they will all feature a giant screen broadcasting the Olympic action from Tokyo, appearances by Olympians, opportunity to ‘Have A Go’ at sports and the chance to enjoy Japanese cultural experiences.

As part of the Australian Olympic Committee’s ongoing commitment to rural and regional Australia, a small tour through bushfire affected communities is also being planned, with details to be announced once finalised.

Matt Carroll AM, CEO of the Australian Olympic Committee, said Olympics Live presents a great opportunity for Australians to re-unite through sport and cheer on our Olympians.

“As we mark 100 days to go until the Games begin in Tokyo, it’s exciting to think of how Olympics Live can play a part in bringing communities together again. Our thanks to Westpac for supporting this initiative in taking the Games into communities across Australia.

“This will be about much more than people coming together to cheer on our athletes and engage with Olympic sport. Olympics Live will present an opportunity to re-connect as a community and really embrace the Olympic spirit at a time when we all deserve something to celebrate and want to celebrate together.”

Modern Pentathlon athlete Edward Fernon welcomed news of the Olympics Live sites and the home support they will generate.

“Australians have always embraced live sites as a fun way to get involved in sporting action and to share the experience on a big scale, so I’m really excited about Olympics Live going ahead,” said Ed, whose wife and sons are looking forward to watching him compete in his second Olympics.

“The live sites will be a great opportunity for athletes’ families and friends to gather together and watch us compete – given they can’t travel and be there with us, this is the next best thing for our loved ones and supporters,” Mr Fernon said.

Australian Team Chef de Mission for the Games Ian Chesterman says after 12 months of adversity our Olympic athletes can see the Tokyo finish line.

“Our athletes have shown nothing but steely determination to realise their Olympic dreams.”

“We are doing everything in our power to get the team to and from the Games safely and, of course, to give them every opportunity to perform at their best when that moment comes.

“They know that these will be a really different Games, and not having family and friends there is certainly a disappointment for many. But to have this support from back home via Olympics Live will be a real boost for them.” Mr Chesterman concluded.

For more information on Olympics Live, visit http://olympicslive.com.au/

More details will be added as available.

** Supplied by AOC**