2024 BMA RIVER 2 REEF RIDE FESTIVAL: TWO AMAZING DAYS OF CYCLING, COMMUNITY, AND PARALYMPICS LIVE

The highly anticipated 2024 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival returns this weekend for two thrilling days on 31 August and 1 September, promising a vibrant mix of cycling, community spirit, and Paris 2024 Paralympics LIVE screen.

 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 that is 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.

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 Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay (DSRM), one of the festival’s key beneficiaries.

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. We are thrilled to be a Paralympics LIVE site, where we can gather to celebrate the incredible achievements of our Paralympians. 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, 31 August. Families can enjoy food trucks, kids' activities, and a festive atmosphere as they take in the film and the live sports action.

Linda Murry, General Manager of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s Hay Point Coal Terminal, highlighted BMA’s long-standing commitment to the Mackay community.

"BMA has a proud history of supporting the Mackay community in their pursuit of leading healthy and active lives. The BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival exemplifies our dedication to this mission, bringing people together for a weekend of fitness, fun, and community spirit. We are especially proud to support BMA CQ Rescue and Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay, two incredible organisations making a real difference in our region. This year’s event, coinciding with the 2024 Paris Paralympics, is an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate the resilience and achievements of our Paralympians with the entire community."

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.

Mayor Greg Williamson said all the stars had aligned to combine the Paralympic 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 funding recipients - Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay,” Mayor Williamson said.

The Paralympics LIVE site will be open to the public between 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm on Saturday, 31 August, and from 6:30 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday, 1 September. 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 31 August

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 1 August

5.30am BMA River 2 Reef Ride (30km | 60km | 100km distances)

6.30am Paralympics LIVE site (Mackay Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre)