BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival to feature Paralympics LIVE site
Published on 27 August 2024
The highly anticipated 2024 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival returns this weekend for two thrilling days on August 31 and September 1, promising a vibrant mix of cycling, community spirit and the 2024 Paris Paralympics LIVE site.
This year’s event holds special significance as the Mackay Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre transforms into a Paralympics LIVE site, complete with a Nine Network big-screen Games broadcast.
The screen and broadcast are supported by the Queensland Government and Mackay Regional Council.
The Paralympics LIVE site will offer the community an incredible opportunity to come together and cheer on our local heroes.
Mayor Greg Williamson said all the stars had aligned to combine the Paralympics LIVE site with the BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival.
“It’s tremendous that all the pieces have fallen into place – not only will the LIVE site provide a fantastic addition to the festival, but the Paralympic broadcast also aligns perfectly with one of the event’s funding recipients - Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay (DSRM),” Mayor Williamson said.
The festival will feature screenings of the Paralympics throughout the weekend, with a special focus on two Mackay Paralympians, Josh Nicholson and Brayden Foxley-Conolly, who are proudly representing Australia in Wheelchair Rugby.
Both athletes are supported by DSRM.
BMA River 2 Reef Ride Event Director Nikki Giles expressed her excitement about the festival’s expanded format and the chance to showcase the Paralympics in such a meaningful way.
"This year’s BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival is set to be an unforgettable weekend for the Mackay community,” Ms Giles said.
“We are thrilled to be a Paralympics LIVE site, where we can gather to celebrate the incredible achievements of our Paralympians,” she said.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment for Mackay, and we’re inviting everyone to be part of it, whether you are participating in our event or not, everybody is welcome."
In addition to the live Paralympics coverage, the festival will also feature a free screening of the classic film Cool Runnings at 4.30 pm on Saturday, August 31.
Families can enjoy food trucks, kids' activities and a festive atmosphere as they take in the film and the live sports action.
The profits raised from the BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival support the essential services provided by BMA CQ Rescue and help DSRM continue empowering individuals with disabilities through sports, including supporting our local Paralympians.
The Paralympics LIVE site will be open to the public between 1pm and 6pm on Saturday, August 31, and from 6.30am to 4pm on Sunday, September 1.
The entire Mackay community is encouraged to join in the celebration, cheer on our Paralympians, and be part of this unique and inspiring event.
BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival Events:
Saturday, August 31
- 8am Criterium Race (CQ University Mackay Campus)
- 1pm Paralympics LIVE site (Mackay Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre)
- 2.45pm Golding Kids Colour Ride (Mackay Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre)
- 4.30pm Outdoor movie - Cool Runnings (Mackay Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre)
Sunday, September 1
- 5.30am BMA River 2 Reef Ride (30km | 60km | 100km distances)
- 6.30am Paralympics LIVE site (Mackay Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre)
About Olympics and Paralympics LIVE
Olympics and Paralympics LIVE is a free offer from the Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia, with the support from Nine and Brisbane 2032. With the home games of Brisbane 2032 secured, the LIVE experience offers Australians moments of inspiration and a taste of what is to come in just eight years time.