The Morrison Government congratulates our Australian Paralympians after a showcase of unforgettable performances in Tokyo.
The Australian team of 179 was the country’s largest ever at an overseas Paralympic Games notching up 80 medals – 21 gold, 29 silver and 30 bronze.
Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the efforts of our Paralympians had reinforced the nation’s love for green and gold competition on the world stage.
“This was a Paralympic Games for the history books,” Minister Colbeck said.
“From 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
nation to the world.
“Madison De Rozario’s nail-biting gold medal win in the T54 wheelchair marathon on the final day was a fitting finale.
“We 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.”
Minister Colbeck said it was fitting to see our most decorated Paralympic medallist Ellie Cole carry the Australian flag in the closing ceremony.
“It exemplified the performances of every single athlete who have each been superb national ambassadors,” he said.
“The outstanding performances have buoyed not just sports lovers across Australia but all those who have been doing it tough in a difficult time.
“Congratulations should also go to Paralympics Australia Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin, Chief Executive Lynne Anderson and President Jock O’Callaghan for championing the Paralympic cause and helping to prepare such a strong and spirited team.”
Minister 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.
“The one-off payments for medallists will be equivalent to those made by the Australian Olympic Committee to medal-winning Olympic athletes in Tokyo,” he said.
“This was an important step which compliments the ongoing funding ensuring our para-athletes can continue to make their mark internationally.”
He said the Morrison Government’s commitment to support para-athletes was reflected in this year’s Budget with direct funding injections of more than $3 million for 2021-22.
The 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.
Minister 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.
“The Morrison Government’s record core funding levels to support athletes builds on the recent investments to support wellbeing and pathways for young aspiring Paralympians,” he said.
Other funding includes:
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- $4m over two years from 2018-19 to construct new facilities for para-athletes at Paralympic Australia’s Victorian base at Essendon.
- $310,370 over four years from 2018-19 for eligible Paralympic athletes who may have had their Disability Support Pension impacted as a result of training for events overseas; and
- $1.5m to improve Australia’s capability in finding Australia’s best para-athletes to compete on the world stage.