15/10/04
Western Australia’s 18 Athens Paralympians received a hero's welcome home today in the Perth city centre.
Premier Geoff Gallop said he was in awe of the Australian Paralympic team’s performance in Athens where our athletes finished fifth in the medal tally with 100 medals.
“This is the most successful Australian Paralympic team to compete outside of the country,” Dr Gallop said.
“A highlight for our home-grown athletes was again on the cycling track, with Eden Hill cyclist Mark Le Flohic winning gold in the road race and silver in the individual time trial.”
Other WA medal winners were Claire Mclean (silver) in the cycling combined road time trial, Brad Ness, Sean Norris and Justin Eveson (silver) in the wheelchair basketball and Janet Shaw and her pilot Kellie McCombie in the cycling road race.
The Premier said all Western Australians should applaud these athletes, who had achieved so highly through enormous hard work and personal sacrifice and despite physical setbacks.
“Not only will the achievements of these athletes give them immense personal satisfaction, they will encourage others to aspire to new heights,” he said.
“It has been said that to succeed you first must be inspired. Your athletic prowess will be the source of much inspiration, encouragement and admiration - and that is a powerful legacy to pass on.”
Sport and Recreation Minister Bob Kucera paid tribute to the many volunteers and support organisations that helped the Paralympians to Athens.
“While it was the athletes who won the medals and our admiration, it would not have been possible without the many volunteer helpers and support staff who have raised funds, coached, administered and helped in a thousand other ways towards the Athens Paralympics,” Mr Kucera said.
Premier’s office: 9222 9475
Sport Minister’s office: 9213 7000
