Red carpet reception for Victoria’s London Paralympians
Victoria’s Paralympic champions were the toast of Melbourne today at a formal reception co-hosted by the Victorian Coalition Government and the Melbourne City Council at Melbourne Town Hall.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty joined City of Melbourne Chief Executive Officer, Kathy Alexander to congratulate Victoria’s 39 Paralympic Australian representatives and to honour their outstanding achievements in London.
“Today is all about honouring our athletes’ achievements and showing our appreciation,” Mr Delahunty said.
“With over 20 Victorian Paralympic athletes featuring on the medal podium, the London Paralympics highlighted just how successful Victoria has become as a training ground for top international sports talent.
“Victorian Paralympic athletes returned home from London with a massive haul of 15 gold, eight silver and ten bronze medals, showing Victorians that with perseverance and determination, the greatest of odds can be overcome.
“Today’s reception is also about saying thank you to the families, friends, clubs, coaches, sporting associations, the Victorian Institute of Sport, and the Australian Paralympic Committee for supporting these champions.
“You’ve done us all proud. Many Victorians sat up late at night and got up early in the morning to watch these elite athletes as they inspired and energised us with their determination and their good sportsmanship. What better way to inspire Victorians to get more active more often and follow in the footsteps of our champions,” Mr Delahunty said.
Mr Delahunty said the formal reception caps off recent celebrations in honour of our Paralympian champions including the welcome home celebrations during the AFL Preliminary match at the MCG on Saturday 22 September 2012.
See attached for a complete list of medal results and Australian Paralympic Representatives from Victoria.
Download PDF44 KB2012 Victorian Paralympians39.31 KB
