With the 2008 Beijing Paralympics drawing to a close today, the Australian Sports Commission wishes to congratulate Australia’s Paralympic athletes and the Australian Paralympic Committee on the inspiring athletic performances of Australia’s Paralympic athletes. 

Outgoing Australian Sports Commission (ASC) CEO Mark Peters congratulated the athletes on their performances.

‘The ASC is very proud of the incredible sporting achievements at the Paralympics over the last 11 days. The performances of Matthew Cowdrey, Peter Leek and Rick Pendleton in the pool and Lisa McIntosh, Heath Francis and Evan O’Hanlon on the track have been nothing short of spectacular,’ Peters said.

‘Coaches, sports scientists, team managers and other support staff played a crucial role at the Paralympics and I would like to acknowledge them as they have contributed so much to Australia’s performance.’

Peters went on to praise the work of the Australian Paralympic Committee.

‘The APC work tirelessly with the ASC to fund, support and improve opportunities for Australia’s elite level athletes with disability.’

‘The APC should be very proud of the way the Australian team has performed in terms of medals and personal bests as well as participating in the spirit of the Paralympics.’

‘Australia finished fifth on the gold medal table and fourth on overall medals which is a pleasing result and one which the APC will gain great encouragement from and build on with the 2012 London Paralympics on the horizon,’ Peters said. 

Contact: Simon Langford, ASC Media Manager, 0418 605 541 or 02 6214 1298