Five star performance by Australian athletes in Korea

Minister for Sport, Senator Kate Lundy and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas today congratulated Team Australia on their incredible performances at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in South Korea.

As the Games drew to a close last night, Team Australia is celebrating an outstanding thirteen medal haul, including three gold, six silver and four bronze.

“Australia had five athletes competing at the World Winter Games and all collected medals – what a fantastic achievement,” Senator McLucas said.

“Our athletes have proven that disability is no barrier to achieving.

“They have achieved personal best performances and a number of medals but above all, the courage and commitment shown by our team has been inspirational.”

Team Australia’s achievements include:

• Nicole Bartley, QLD, won two gold and a silver in alpine skiing events
• Luke Forster, QLD, won two bronze medals in alpine skiing events
• Bryce Fuller, QLD, won gold and bronze in alpine skiing events
• Nicole Harris, NSW, won two silver and a bronze in alpine skiing events
• Craig Muhlbock, NSW, won three silver medals in snowboarding events

Held from 26 January to 5 February 2013, the Special Olympics World Winter Games in PyeongChang in South Korea brought together 2,300 athletes with an intellectual disability from 110 countries.

Senator Lundy said the Games are an opportunity for our athletes to compete on the world stage and are a celebration of ability.

“The Special Olympics are an opportunity for people with intellectual disability to overcome prejudice and stereotypes and showcase their remarkable athletic abilities,” Senator Lundy said.

“Winning a medal is a great achievement but it is also important to recognise what sport can achieve off the field, including a sense of achievement, camaraderie and inclusion.”

Senator McLucas joined the Australian team in South Korea during the Games. She also addressed the Special Olympic Global Development Summit which included world leaders, including renowned human rights activist and Myanmar politician,Aung San Suu Kyi, international researchers, students and policy makers in the fields of intellectual disability, education and health.

The Federal Labor 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 the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to provide Australians with a disability the care and support they need, when they need it.

For more information on our athletes and the Games, visit www.specialolympics.com.au.