Australian Paralympic Committee announces new partnership

The Australian Paralympic Committee today announced a new partnership with the Australian Defence Force

The Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) today announced a new partnership with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) that will aim to direct ADF members, who acquire a disability during their employment, into Paralympic sport.

Launched at a Ceremony in Canberra by APC President Greg Hartung and Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshall Angus Houston, the ADF Paralympic Sports Program will deliver a wealth of benefits to members of the military with an acquired disability through access to the APC-s Paralympic Sport programs.

Mr Hartung said the partnership with the ADF is an important step in growing the Australian Paralympic Movement by providing opportunities for wounded and injured Australian Defence Force members not previously available.

“Signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Defence-s Joint Health Command and the Australian Paralympic Committee is a significant step for Paralympic sport in this country,” Mr Hartung said.

“It opens up a wealth of possibilities for those ADF members who have acquired a disability to gain access to APC-s world class Sports Science, Sports Medicine and High Performance Coaching Programs.”

“Both Australian Paralympians and members of the Australian Defence Force strive to do the best job possible and be the best they can be under the Australian flag.

In this way, there is a natural connection between the APC and the ADF and we hope that through the extensive knowledge of our APC staff, this partnership is able to produce some world class athletes, as well as help ADF members who have acquired a disability to rehabilitate and move on with their lives.”

Through the partnership, the APC will work with the ADF to provide program participants with advice on specialised physical fitness training and rehabilitation, effectively beginning the journey towards representing Australia at the Paralympic Games.

At the ceremony today, Paralympic gold medallist and world record holder Heath Francis, who lost his arm in an accident as a seven-year-old, spoke of the benefits Paralympic sport has to offer after sustaining a serious injury.

“As an Australian Paralympic athlete, there is no greater thrill then competing at the Paralympic Games, and achieving success,” Francis said.

“ The ADF Paralympic Sports Program is a great initiative of the Australian Paralympic Committee and Australian Defence Force. It will give members of the ADF who acquire a disability, a great boost knowing they have such fantastic support.

“This program will provide an opportunity and pathway to participate in Paralympic sport and begin a journey that may reach the pinnacle of elite sport for athletes with a disability, the Paralympic Games.”