Two years to go

Sunday, September 7th marked two years to go until the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, with the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) calling for Australia to get behind the team as the countdown continues.

APC CEO Jason Hellwig said in a statement that success in Rio will not only be about the medals that are won by Australian athletes, but also by the impact the Games have on the hearts and minds of Australians.

“The community response following London was incredible, it showed the best of the Australian spirit and in turn Paralympic sport is becoming a major part of Australia’s sporting identity.  We want to see this continue.

“We want people to continue sharing the highs and lows that the Team experience, and we want to show that the Paralympic movement has the ability to change lives and attitudes,” Hellwig said.

The sports of para-triathlon and para-canoe will be introduced into the Paralympic schedule in Rio, and with sustained success in sports such as wheelchair rugby, rowing and cycling, the APC will be doing everything it can to continue the excellent results at the Paralympic Games.

“Australia has some great emerging talent in all of our sports and all of them have the potential to become household names.

“I encourage people across the nation to get right behind us from the start, and make the road to Rio as much a journey for everyone as it is the Team’s,” Hellwig said.

The Games being on Wednesday, September 7th 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.