FED: Largest Paralympic team to compete abroad leaves for Games

AAP General News (Australia)
08-31-2008
FED: Largest Paralympic team to compete abroad leaves for Games

SYDNEY, Aug 31 AAP - Australia's largest Paralympic team to compete abroad leaves for
Beijing tomorrow.

With the sporting powers of China, Great Britain and the US in their sights, the team
of 170 disabled athletes will compete at the Paralympic games from September 6.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's wife, Therese Rein, and parliamentary secretary for disabilities
and children's services, Bill Shorten, will give the athletes an official send-off at
Sydney International Airport.

"Our team of inspirational athletes are very well prepared for the tough competition
they have ahead of them in Beijing," Mr Shorten said.

The athletes, including 11 guide runners and cycling pilots for the sight impaired,
will compete for a share of the 472 medals up for grabs at the Games.

Sport Minister Kate Ellis said Australian Paralympians had collected 908 medals from
Paralympic competition in the past 48 years.

"This is the largest ever Paralympic team to compete overseas and I am greatly looking
forward to celebrating their success in Beijing," Ms Ellis said.

"Every Australian state and territory will be represented."

The Paralympic team will be accompanied by 121 officials.

AAP krc/srp/cdh

KEYWORD: PARA08 PREVIEW

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