{"id":12838,"date":"2021-09-06T20:41:08","date_gmt":"2021-09-06T20:41:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/?p=12838"},"modified":"2021-09-06T20:41:08","modified_gmt":"2021-09-06T20:41:08","slug":"celebrating-our-champion-australian-paralympians","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/2021\/09\/06\/celebrating-our-champion-australian-paralympians\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating our champion Australian Paralympians"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Morrison Government congratulates our Australian Paralympians after a showcase of unforgettable performances in Tokyo.
\nThe Australian team of 179 was the country\u2019s largest ever at an overseas Paralympic Games notching up 80 medals – 21 gold, 29 silver and 30 bronze.
\nMinister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the efforts of our Paralympians had reinforced the nation\u2019s love for green and gold competition on the world stage.
\n\u201cThis was a Paralympic Games for the history books,\u201d Minister Colbeck said.
\n\u201cFrom the moment Danni di Toro and Ryley Batt proudly carried the Australian flag at the opening ceremony, the Australian Paralympic team displayed the best of our
\nnation to the world.
\n\u201cMadison De Rozario\u2019s nail-biting gold medal win in the T54 wheelchair marathon on the final day was a fitting finale.
\n\u201cWe have celebrated gold medal triumphs, but we have also laughed, cried and marvelled at the fortitude of all our athletes who have given their very best for their country.\u201d
\nMinister Colbeck said it was fitting to see our most decorated Paralympic medallist Ellie Cole carry the Australian flag in the closing ceremony.
\n\u201cIt exemplified the performances of every single athlete who have each been superb national ambassadors,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cThe outstanding performances have buoyed not just sports lovers across Australia but all those who have been doing it tough in a difficult time.
\n\u201cCongratulations should also go to Paralympics Australia Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin, Chief Executive Lynne Anderson and President Jock O\u2019Callaghan for championing the Paralympic cause and helping to prepare such a strong and spirited team.\u201d
\nMinister Colbeck said the Government was proud to have extended its support to Paralympic Australia ensuring its medal-winning athletes will receive bonus payments in line with the rewards paid to Olympic athletes.
\n\u201cThe one-off payments for medallists will be equivalent to those made by the Australian Olympic Committee to medal-winning Olympic athletes in Tokyo,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cThis was an important step which compliments the ongoing funding ensuring our para-athletes can continue to make their mark internationally.\u201d
\nHe said the Morrison Government\u2019s commitment to support para-athletes was reflected in this year\u2019s Budget with direct funding injections of more than $3 million for 2021-22.
\nThe boost for Paralympic competitors, across 13 sporting programs, marks a 40 per cent increase in funding since 2012 with 86 per cent of the Australian Paralympic team receiving direct grants from the AIS.
\nMinister Colbeck said it offers funding clarity and security for athletes looking ahead to the 2022 Winter Paralympics, the 2022 Commonwealth Games and ensures a springboard for those vying to represent Australia at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
\n\u201cThe Morrison Government\u2019s record core funding levels to support athletes builds on the recent investments to support wellbeing and pathways for young aspiring Paralympians,\u201d he said.
\nOther funding includes:<\/p>\n