Winter Paralympians to Inspire a Nation

The Australian Government today sent its best wishes to Australia’s team ahead of the Vancouver Paralympic Winter Games this weekend.

“Sport shows us the great heights we as humans can reach and the hurdles that we can overcome. The Paralympics in particular show us the power we have to overcome adversity and shine,” Minister for Sport Kate Ellis said.

“Like all Australians, I watched with great pride as Torah Bright, Lydia Lassila and Dale Begg-Smith won medals at the Winter Olympics. I’m sure we’ll feel that pride again as our Paralympians hit the snow and ice,” Ms Ellis said.

Eleven Australian athletes and three guides will compete in the Games at many of the venues used at the Vancouver Winter Olympics last month. The nine male and two female athletes will compete across 14 events.

“This is the biggest team Australia has ever sent to a Winter Paralympic Games and it’s another great sign of the growing inclusiveness of elite sport in Australia,” Ms Ellis said.

“Our athletes, their guides, coaches and support staff have worked really hard over many years to reach the highest echelons of their sport. We wish them every success.”

Parliamentary Secretary Bill Shorten says our Winter Paralympians are great ambassadors both for Australia and for people with disability.

“Their commitment to getting the most out of themselves and competing for their country is inspirational,” he said.

“When Australians watch our Paralympians in action they see their achievements and not their impairments.

“These athletes are a powerful reminder of the talents and potential of people with disability and of what they can achieve if they are given an opportunity,” Mr Shorten said.

The Australian Government has supported the Australian Paralympic Committee with $1.8 million for the winter games program since 2006/07.

This year’s Vancouver Games team also includes eight Australian Institute of Sport scholarship holders – all in the alpine skiing disciplines.

More than 40 countries will participate in the Paralympic Winter Games, with about 1,350 athletes and team officials involved in the ten day event, which runs from 12-21 March.