Published Monday, 29 September, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
QUEENSLAND WELCOMES HOME 2008 BEIJING PARALYMPIC ATHLETES
Queensland members of the 2008 Australian Paralympic Team will be officially welcomed home at a public reception in Brisbane today.
Premier Anna Bligh and Acting Lord Mayor Councillor Graham Quirk will present the athletes with the Keys to the City, during the reception on the Upper Stage in the Queen Street Mall from 12:15pm. (Presentation at approximately 1pm)
Premier Bligh said Queensland’s 30 Paralympic athletes showed great courage in Beijing and their success is an inspiration to all Queenslanders.
"The Beijing Paralympics were full of inspirational moments, with our athletes overcoming great adversity to represent our state and our nation on the world stage,” Ms Bligh said.
“I’m sure all Queenslanders are proud of our Queensland athletes for bringing home nineteen medals including four gold, seven silver and eight bronze.
“The achievements of individual athletes in setting new personal bests also highlighted to us all the incredible dedication of these athletes to their sport.
“Today’s public reception is a fantastic opportunity for the Queensland public to come out, meet and congratulate our athletes on their outstanding efforts in the 2008 Paralympic Games.
"I encourage everyone to show their appreciation for our athletes after they have made such personal sacrifices and endured hours of strenuous training to represent our state and country at such a prestigious event.”
Australia finished fifth in the medal tally having competed in thirteen of the twenty sports at the 2008 Paralympic Games, winning medals in nine different sports.
Sport Minister Judy Spence said Queensland's gold medal winners Chris Scott, Tige Simmons and Darren Thrupp will be among the athletes attending the reception, ready to sign autographs and share their Paralympic experience with the public.
“Simply making it to the Paralympics is an achievement in itself – and I know that all of our athletes have worked very hard to reach this pinnacle of international sport,” Ms Spence said.
“The incredible accomplishments of our medal winners are a reminder to all Queenslanders that anything is possible.
“The Queensland Government is proud to support these athletes – their sporting success reinforces the fact that involvement in sport can reap huge benefits.
“Congratulations to the entire Beijing team – you have done your nation proud.”
September 29, 2008
Media contact: Premiers Office (07) 3224 4500
Premier Anna Bligh and Acting Lord Mayor Councillor Graham Quirk will present the athletes with the Keys to the City, during the reception on the Upper Stage in the Queen Street Mall from 12:15pm. (Presentation at approximately 1pm)
Premier Bligh said Queensland’s 30 Paralympic athletes showed great courage in Beijing and their success is an inspiration to all Queenslanders.
"The Beijing Paralympics were full of inspirational moments, with our athletes overcoming great adversity to represent our state and our nation on the world stage,” Ms Bligh said.
“I’m sure all Queenslanders are proud of our Queensland athletes for bringing home nineteen medals including four gold, seven silver and eight bronze.
“The achievements of individual athletes in setting new personal bests also highlighted to us all the incredible dedication of these athletes to their sport.
“Today’s public reception is a fantastic opportunity for the Queensland public to come out, meet and congratulate our athletes on their outstanding efforts in the 2008 Paralympic Games.
"I encourage everyone to show their appreciation for our athletes after they have made such personal sacrifices and endured hours of strenuous training to represent our state and country at such a prestigious event.”
Australia finished fifth in the medal tally having competed in thirteen of the twenty sports at the 2008 Paralympic Games, winning medals in nine different sports.
Sport Minister Judy Spence said Queensland's gold medal winners Chris Scott, Tige Simmons and Darren Thrupp will be among the athletes attending the reception, ready to sign autographs and share their Paralympic experience with the public.
“Simply making it to the Paralympics is an achievement in itself – and I know that all of our athletes have worked very hard to reach this pinnacle of international sport,” Ms Spence said.
“The incredible accomplishments of our medal winners are a reminder to all Queenslanders that anything is possible.
“The Queensland Government is proud to support these athletes – their sporting success reinforces the fact that involvement in sport can reap huge benefits.
“Congratulations to the entire Beijing team – you have done your nation proud.”
September 29, 2008
Media contact: Premiers Office (07) 3224 4500