Premier

A Heroes’ Reception For Australia’s Paralympic Stars

05 October 2016

Victoria’s Paralympic Games stars have returned home to a heroes’ reception after doing us all proud in Rio.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Acting Minister for Sport Martin Foley today joined a crowd of Victorians at Bourke Street Mall, where fans rubbed shoulders with the Australian stars who wore green and gold.

The Andrews Labor Government partnered with the Australian Paralympic Committee to stage the parade and public reception – the second of its kind in as many months after September’s Olympic Games homecoming.

Australia dominated at the Rio Paralympic Games, collecting 81 medals, including 22 gold, to place fifth on the overall medal tally.

It was Victorians leading the way once more. Wheelchair basketball star turn tennis champion Dylan Alcott won gold in the quad singles and doubles tennis, while Carol Cooke defended her 2012 triumph in London, taking out the T2 Road Time Trial event.

Seven of Australia’s gold medal-winning wheelchair rugby team are also Victorian.

Our Paralympic heroes give us all a great sense of pride. That’s why the Labor Government was proud to donate $200,000 to support our Australian team.

We’re also investing $10 million over the next three years to help more than 50 state sporting associations create more opportunities for athletes living with a disability.

It’s our way of making sport more welcoming for everyone, and it’s our small part in helping uncover the next Paralympic champion.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“There’s nothing quite as inspiring as seeing our Paralympic champions fly the green and gold flag on sport’s greatest stage. We’re so proud of them.”

“Australia has proven itself as one of the world’s great sporting nations in Rio. They did us all proud.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Disability and Ageing and Acting Minister for Sport Martin Foley

“Victorians were gripped by the drama of the Rio Paralympic Games. Today is about celebrating the countless achievements of our home grown stars.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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