On 27 June, Westfield was announced as an official partner of the Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams.

For those of us who are still buzzing from the excitement of the Olympic Games, you’ll be happy to know that half-time’s over! The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games have officially commenced, with an electrifying opening ceremony kicking off 11 unmissable days of sporting action. This year, Australia is represented by a contingent of 160 brilliant para-athletes competing across 17 different sports, including disciplines that are exclusive to the Paralympic Games, like Boccia and Goalball.

Mark your calendars and get ready to don your green and gold; these are just 4 of the highlight events that are worth a watch:

1. Para-swimming

Image credit: Paralympics Australia website

With a lineup that features up-and-comers and veteran Paralympians alike, the blend of youth and experience in this year’s Paralympic Games swim team (pictured) puts them in a solid position to continue Australia’s established success in the pool. Para-swimming heats for the Men’s and Women’s 400m Freestyle (S9), 100m Backstroke (S2), 100m Butterfly (S14 and S13), 50m Freestyle (Men’s S10, Women’s S6 and S10), and 200m Freestyle (S5) commence on 29 August at 5.30pm AEST, with race events happening daily until the end of the Paralympic Games on 8 September.

2. Para-athletics

With an incredible 486 Paralympic medals coming from Para-athletics, Australia’s best-performing sport is one you don’t want to miss out on. Sending a 32-strong team — which includes defending champions like Madison de Rozario, as well as rising stars like Telaya Blacksmith and Mali Lovell (pictured) — makes Para-athletics Australia’s highest-represented sport at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Para-athletics kicks off with multiple events on 30 August, starting with the Women’s Discus Throw (F55) on 30 August at 6.00pm AEST, and Round 1 of the Women's 5000m (T54) following shortly after at 7.45pm AEST. Other events we’re keen to tune into include the Women’s 100m (T36) on 4 September at 6.00pm AEST, as well as the Women’s Long Jump (T63) on 6 September at 3.00am AEST.

3. Wheelchair Rugby

Image credit: Paralympics Australia website

With a team spearheaded by dynamic duo Ryley Batt and Chris Bond — who were both members of the gold medal-winning Steelers teams at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games — and an overhauled strategy and team culture, the Steelers (pictured) are primed to reclaim their gold medal glory at this year’s Paralympic Games. Catch their preliminary match against Great Britain on 29 August at 7.30pm AEST and against France on 31 August at 3.30am AEST.

4. Boccia

Image credit: Paralympics Australia Website

Played by athletes with significant physical impairments that affect all their limbs, Boccia is a sport of skill that puts competitors’ muscle control and accuracy to the ultimate test. Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games bronze medallist Dan Michel (pictured) will be going for gold this year in the Men’s Individual BC3 on 29 August at 10.00pm AEST, joined by Jamieson Leeson, who will be competing in the Women’s Individual BC3 on 30 August at 4.30am AEST. Both will compete in the Mixed Pairs BC3, with the preliminary round happening on 3 September at 7.50pm AEST.

Westfield’s partnership with the Australian Olympic and Paralympic teams will see all 37 Westfield centres across Australia transform into Live Sites for our customers to enjoy key events and matches live streamed direct from Paris. Visit your local Westfield's website to find out what's happening near you.

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