Fearnley in contention to be Australia’s Paralympic flag bearer

Longevity and selfless support of Australia’s Paralympic family will decide who will be Australia’s flag bearer for the opening ceremony in Rio on Wednesday (Thursday AEST), and NSWIS athlete Kurt Fearnley will be a hot favourite.

Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove will welcome Australia’s athletes at a reception inside the village to reveal who will carry the flag in Maracana Stadium for the parade of nations at the ceremony, which is the official launch of the Games.

Fearnley is a four-time Paralympian and is widely regarded as the face of Australian Paralympics. He has already been handed co-captaincy of the team alongside table tennis player Daniela Di Toro.

However it is hard to discount Fearnley of another honour, with Australian Paralympic Committee Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin saying that core values of long-term dedication to sporting success and commitment to pushing the profile of the Paralympic movement will be key determinants in the final selection.

“Longevity of Paralympic athletes comes into it, as well as achievements,” McLoughlin said.

“But we’re focused heavily on being part of a family and making sure the person who is the flag bearer represents the entire team and that feeling of family.

“It’s also what they’ve done for the Paralympic family outside of sport. That’s really important, because it’s not just about them, it’s about being selfless enough to build awareness outside of their own performances.”

Unlike Fearnley, Di Toro will not be in contention. She will miss the opening ceremony to focus on her pool matches on day one.

The Paralympics begin on Wednesday September 7, concluding on Sunday September 18.

*Quotes sourced from News Corp Australia journalist Scott Walsh