Celebrating Success: The Homecoming of Our Paris 2024 Olympians and Paralympians
Brief
The goal was clear: create an unforgettable event to welcome home 55 world-class Olympians and Paralympians after their historic success at the Paris 2024 Games. The event had to be world-class, featuring:
Top-tier athletes alongside their friends and family.
An incredible VIP guest list.
Live music and sports performances.
Free, public access.
With just five weeks to deliver, TheEventsPros.com stepped up to make this vision a reality.
August: Laying the Groundwork
In mid-August, the Department for Communities (DfC) approached us with an initial concept. The proposed venue, the Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings, was unsuitable for a public event. We needed a venue capable of hosting 4,000–5,000 attendees with facilities for live performances—rain or shine. The choice was clear: SSE Arena Belfast.
By late August, we submitted a report outlining three venue options. The SSE Arena was the standout, and securing Ministerial approval and funding became the next challenge. Fortunately, Minister Lyons championed the event, committing publicly on Newsline that it would happen, be free, and open to the public.
September: Turning Vision into Reality
The month was a whirlwind of logistics and creativity:
Athletes & Guests: Coordinating the attendance of Olympians, Paralympians, and their families.
VIPs & Performers: Assembling an A-list lineup of guests, hosts, musicians, and performers.
Production & Planning: From scripts and lighting to seating charts and insurance, every detail had to be perfect.
Promotion & Public Engagement: Ticket distribution for 3,000 public attendees and widespread promotion.
The excitement built toward October 3rd, when the doors of the SSE Arena opened to a jubilant crowd.
The Paris Celebration: October 3rd
Pete Snodden energized the sold out audience before hosts Stephen Watson and Aimee Fuller took the stage. The night unfolded with athlete interviews, video highlights, and stunning live performances, including a show-stopping set by the talented Ryan McMullan.
The atmosphere was electric, celebrating the athletes’ triumphs and showcasing their remarkable journeys - it was a priviledge to be trusted to tell their story.
A Grateful Team
We were honored to deliver this monumental event and thankful to DfC for trusting our vision to bring it to the SSE Arena. The success of the Paris Celebration was a testament to bold ideas, meticulous planning, and collaboration.
Here’s to the athletes, we’ll see you in four years!
Photos: Ricky Parker Photography & Kelvin Boyes @ Presseye
Video: Dillon Osborne
Coverage
We couldn’t have done this event without our brilliant contractors