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Paralympics Australia warmly welcomes and thanks the Australian Government for providing rewards for our medallists at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, signalling that the dedication and performances of our Paralympians are equal to our Olympic counterparts.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the historic announcement this afternoon that the Federal Government would ensure payments are in line with Tokyo Olympic medallists, who are provided $20,000 for a gold medal, $15,000 for a silver medal and $10,000 for bronze.
Paralympics Australia President Jock O’Callaghan said: “This is such incredible news for our amazing Tokyo Paralympic medallists, who have worked their hearts out to perform the best they can for their country and have inspired and delighted us along the way.
“Our sincere thanks goes to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Sports Minister Richard Colbeck for their outstanding support for our Australian Paralympic Team and their advocacy for the Paralympic movement. The tributes made by the Prime Minister in Parliament today show how much impact our athletes’ performances are having back home, and will no doubt inspire greater success over the remaining days of competition.
“It is fantastic to see the Government step up in this way by providing parity for our athletes and I know it is greatly appreciated by every member of our Australian Paralympic Team in Tokyo.”
Paralympics Australia does not have the resources to invest into programs such as athlete rewards, as available funding is spent on delivering Australian teams to Summer and Winter Paralympic Games. It also is invested in programs to ensure subsequent generations of Para-athletes are supported along the participation pathway with equipment, development programs, education, coaching and technological and innovation support.
PA Chief Executive Officer Lynne Anderson said: “Our Paralympians absolutely deserve equity across the board, including recognition and respect. We have fought so hard for equity in funding for our Para-athletes and the Government, along with Sport Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport, have been great supporters of this along the way.
“This is such an incredible reward for our successful Tokyo Games medallists. They have all told stories of the importance of valuing inclusion and equity for people with a disability in sport and society in their post-event interviews. To see equal medal recognition with their Olympic counterparts become a reality, demonstrates tangible proof of what they are advocating for and real hope for a more inclusive future.”
By: Paralympics Australia
Posted: 2 September 2021
