The inspirational Australian Paralympic and Olympic teams will compete in this year’s games in Brazil with over $100,000 in funding and support from the City of Sydney.
More than 500 athletes from across the country will be competing in the Olympics, from 5-21 August, and the Paralympics, from 7-18 September, being held in Rio de Janeiro.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the Paralympic and Olympic teams were a great source of inspiration for all Australians and the City was proud to support them.
“Through their achievements and their dedication, these Olympians and Paralympians contribute significantly to community spirit and provide inspiration for us all,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The Paralympics is especially important because of the way in promotes the valuable contribution people with a disability make to our community. Every one of them is a true champion.”
The City will provide $60,000 in cash sponsorship to the Australian Paralympic team and will also host their uniform launch, a farewell event and a welcome home reception.
The City will also help promote the Australian Paralympic team through team-member profile stories, as well as providing meet-and-greet opportunities with the community.
“This partnership gives us the opportunity to raise awareness of our Paralympians, who not only face challenges in their daily lives, but also compete at the very highest level in their chosen field,” the Lord Mayor said.
”Increasing awareness of the contribution and needs of people with a disability is an important part of the City’s role in promoting social inclusion and diversity.”
The City will donate $30,000 to the Australian Olympic Team for the Prime Minister’s 9th Olympic Dinner in Melbourne, as well as $12,000 for travel and accommodation.
Australian Paralympic Committee Chief Executive Lynne Anderson said: “We are grateful that the City of Sydney is providing this level of support, which we know will make a positive and meaningful impact on our preparations for Rio.”
[caption id="attachment_15175" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Andrew Edmondson[/caption]
Long-time City of Sydney resident and wheelchair rugby player, Andrew Edmondson, is aiming to make his Paralympic Games debut in Brazil.
“Competing at the Rio Paralympic Games is my ultimate sporting goal and there would no better feeling than wearing the green and gold while also knowing you are representing your local community in front of a global audience,” Mr Pasterfield said.
“I’m a proud Sydney resident and I hope I can do my community proud against the best in the world this year.”
The City was also a proud official supporter of the Paralympic team when they competed in the 2012 London Games, and provided support and sponsorship to Olympic teams in 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012.
Australia has sent teams to every Olympic Games since 1896 and every Paralympic Games since they were first held in 1960.
For media inquiries: City of Sydney Senior Media Adviser Jodie Minus 0467 803 815 or jminus@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore: Paul Mackay 0432 182 647 or email pmackay@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au