Olympic medallists take on pollies in Adelaide
Special Olympics medallists today showed off their skills when they competed against federal politicians in a friendly tennis match at West Beach, Adelaide.
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, and Member for Hindmarsh, Steve Georganas, took on six champion athletes who have represented South Australia and Australia in competitions across the world, including the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Greece earlier this year.
“The athletes here today have proven that disability is no barrier to achieving,” Mr Georganas said.
“They have all represented their state or country on the sporting stage. This is an incredible achievement and a great example of what people with an intellectual disability can achieve when provided with the right support and care.”
Senator McLucas said it is important that every Australian has the confidence to participate in social activities and are provided with the right support to reach their full potential.
“We want every Australian, including people with disability, to achieve their best in life, to develop skills and gain experience, and to have the confidence to dream big and believe in themselves.”
“And that’s what the National Disability Insurance Scheme is ultimately about – ensuring people with disability are supported to reach their potential.”
Last week, the Gillard Government and all state and territory governments agreed to lay the foundations for a National Disability Insurance Scheme by mid 2013 – a year ahead of the timetable set out by the Productivity Commission.
Mr Georganas said the Hindmarsh community has shown great unity and support for a National Disability Insurance Scheme.
“It’s great to see the local community and organisations like Special Olympics Australia getting behind a National Disability Insurance Scheme,” he said.
“We know that the current system of disability services in Australia is not delivering the kind of support Australians with a disability and their carers need.”
“We need to act as quickly as possible to improve the lives of the millions of Australians affected by a disability.”
Mr Alex McNeilly, General Manager Special Olympics Australia said, “It is great to see our Federal politicians like Senator Jan McLucas actively supporting our Special Olympics Australia athletes who have an intellectual disability.”
“Through weekly local sports programs and a supportive community, our athletes can reach their personal best in sport and in life. Good Luck Senator McLucas, taking on our Special Olympics South Australia athletes on the court is a very courageous move!”
“Special Olympics Australia looks forward to how a National Disability Insurance Scheme can support the development of more opportunities, open more doors and provide the much needed support and assistance our fellow Australians with a disability deserve.”
Athletes in attendance today
Brad Kinross
Basketball – Silver medalist, Special Olympics World Summer Games in Greece 2011
Wayne Kinross
Basketball – Silver medalist, Special Olympics World Summer Games in Greece 2011
James Maxwell
Basketball – Silver medalist, Special Olympics World Summer Games in Greece 2011
Wendy Farmer
Tennis – Represented South Australia at the National Games in Sydney (2002), Gold Coast (2006) and Adelaide (2010). A member of the Athlete Leadership Program since 2009.
Christopher Farmer
Tennis – Represented South Australia at the National Games in Gold Coast (2006) and Adelaide (2010). Represented Australia in New Zealand (2005). A member of the Athlete Leadership Program since 2007.
Lachlan Woollett
Basketball and Tennis – Represented South Australia at the National Games in Gold Coast (2006) and Adelaide (2010). Represented Australia in New Zealand (2005) and World Games in China (2007). A member of the Athlete Leadership Program since 2008 and represented the athletes on the Adelaide Regional Committee.
Kim Flannigan
Tenpin Bowling and Swimming – Represented South Australia at 4 National Games, 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010. Represented Australia in the World Games in USA and Ireland (2003). A member of the Athlete Leadership Program since 2007, represented athletes on the National Council and State Management Committee.