Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Colman claims gold

Joint Media Release with:

  • Senator Kate Lundy

    Minister for Sport
    Minister for Multicultural Affairs
    Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation

    Senator Jan McLucas

    Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
    Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers

Minister for Disability Reform Jenny Macklin, Minister for Sport Kate Lundy and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers Jan McLucas today congratulated Richard Colman on winning the men’s 800m T53 final.

The champion wheelchair athlete edged out Canada’s Brent Lakatos to take home gold in a time of 1:41.13.

Competing in his third Paralympics, Richard produced a powerhouse finish to take the lead off the bend and win the final by 0.12 seconds.

Richard has been a star of the Australian athletic team for over a decade and he has always strived to do his best.

He is a wonderful ambassador, a stellar athlete and an inspiration for all Australians.

The Gillard Government is working towards a future where all Australian children and adults with disability lead lives of dignity and opportunity.

We are providing $1 billion to deliver the first stage of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to provide Australians with a disability the care and support they need, when they need it.

The Australian Government has also provided strong funding to support our Paralympic Team, committing over $13.7 million in 2011-12 for the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) and $2.7 million in Direct Athlete Support (DAS) to help Australia’s Paralympic athletes reach their potential.