Minister for Sport Peter Dutton today wished Australia’s Paralympians the best of luck as they ready for competition on the eve of 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi. Mr Dutton explained that Australia’s athletes are set to compete in two of the six disciplines on the Sochi Winter Games program – alpine skiing and para-snowboard. The team consists of six alpine skiers, two sighted guides and three snowboarders.
“Incredibly, Jessica Gallagher was the first Australian female athlete to compete at both a summer and winter games and will be competing in her third Paralympics in four years as she looks to add to her bronze from Vancouver in 2010.” Senator Mitch Fifield said “The blend of experienced competitors and athletes on debut ensures Australia is well positioned to meet the team’s aim of beating its efforts at the Vancouver Games where Australia won one silver and three bronze medals.”
Senator Fifield pointed out that the Federal Government has allocated $550,000 to the Australian Paralympic Committee to support its Winter Paralympic program in 2013-14.