GOLDCOASTBULLETIN.COM.AU • THURSDAY AUGUST 26 2021 • SUBSCRIPTIONS 1300 726 161 SPORT 39 WITH GLYNIS NUNN (OAM)

Olympic champion and Executive Director of Gold Coast Academy of Sport JUNIOR SPORT [email protected] PARALYMPIC INSPIRATION IN TOKYO We take a look back at Australia’s incredible Paralympic history and our chances for the 2021 Games in Tokyo

WHAT can I say about the disability groups in the Para- Olympics? Undoubtedly a lympic movement: amputee, huge “thank you” to the Japa- cerebral palsy, visual impair- nese. Their efforts and com- ment, spinal injury, intellectual mitment have not gone disability and a group which unnoticed and at a time when includes all those who do not the general public is still strug- fit into the aforementioned gling with a global pandemic, groups (les autres). they are doing it again. Australia has always fared The Paralympics started on well in athletics and swimming Tuesday and, again, the hosts events at the Paralympics, have gone above and beyond. earning 152 and 128 gold med- With more than 4500 ath- als respectively over the course letes competing in more than of Paralympic history. 20 sports, the world is going to We have 179 athletes repre- witness some amazing per- senting our country across 12 formances. days of competition. So why are these Games called Paralympic? The word Many prove means that they are the paral- lel Games to the Olympics and that few illustrates how the two move- ments exist side-by-side. things are While these two major events have been held separ- ately, there is a strong opinion impossible over whether the two should GLYNIS NUNN eventually be merged. The first took place in While most of the Austra- Rome in 1960. lian team has moved into the Matthew McShane is competing in his first Paralympic Games for Australia in wheelchair basketball. Picture: John Gass The Games have grown dra- village already, including 12 matically since their early days para-cyclists who are based in who is part of the men’s bas- the triathlon, Katie Kelly, If you know someone over commitments by helping our from 400 athletes in Rome in out-of-village accommodation ketball team. along with her guide Briarna 15 years of age who is inspired stakeholders identify with our 1960 to 4342 athletes from 159 near the velodrome and road Matthew made his debut in Silk, will line up again to de- by viewing the Paralympics brand in the marketplace. countries in Rio in 2016. cycling venue, others will ar- Rio but I’m sure he would love fend her title. Another in the and would like to get involved The Gold Coast Academy These athletes display the rive later in the schedule to be to improve the team’s per- triathlon is Rio debutant Nic in either shooting or archery, of Sport recognises the import- greatest of determination and ready for their events. formance of sixth. Beveridge, who will compete to encourage them to go to a ance of targeting identified courage. Many have overcome There are 22 sports at this Probably one of our most better his ninth placing. Come and Try day. sports within the Olympic mental and physical obstacles year’s Paralympics, including distinguished Paralympians is The world should thank On September 26, there will framework, and also additional to be truly inspirational. two new ones – badminton and Curtis McGrath. Competing in Japan and the Tokyo 2020 or- be an event conducted free of sports we have continued to Many prove that few things taekwondo. the Para-canoe events, he be- ganising committee for provid- charge to give it a go at Bel- support in the community. are impossible. I have been lucky enough to came Australia’s first gold med- ing the best possible platform mont Shooting Complex in The GCAS pathway sup- The Paralympics also raise see many of the track and field allist in a Games. On the water, on which the world’s sports Brisbane from 9am. It will give ports targeted sports to help awareness of mental and team training at Runaway Bay the list of para-athletes, led by stars could shine. athletes an opportunity to get further talent identification physical disabilities in the hope over the past few months. Curtis, is supported by other Now it is the Paralympics’ involved. If you are interested, and development in able- of creating a better life for They have escaped lock- strong canoe Rio medallists turn. The athletes embody the register at paralympic.org.au/ bodied, para-sport and inclus- those with disabilities. down from the southern states and AJ Jennings. highest ideals of humanity, get-involved. Meanwhile, keep ive and diverse areas. Paralympic athletes com- and enjoyed the warmth of the Also, in the water Thomas they challenge the boundaries an eye out for our new logo. There is a wonderful quote pete according to their classifi- Gold Coast. Gallagher and Madeleine set by society and aim to de- From early next month, the which the academy relates to: cations based on their physical The Gold Coast has two McTernan are part of a strong velop their potential as world- Gold Coast Academy of Sport “You don’t have to be great to abilities. By being classified it is female basketball wheelchair swimming contingent. class athletes. will launch a new logo. We start, but you have to start to hoped that it creates a level athletes. Shelley Cronau and With some extremely im- These Games are the sec- have modernised it to align be great.” playing field. Ella Sabljack. It will be the first pressive performances in past ond-largest sporting event in with the new strategic plan The academy is launching It is sort of grouping ath- Paralympics for both, so it is a years, we look forward to see- the world and help to inspire heading towards the 2032 an equestrian program on Sat- letes by age, gender or weight dream come true. ing how all these Gold Coast- communities around the world Olympic Games. urday and will be conducting (but not really). Groups of ath- Another athlete from the ers will compete in Tokyo. to aim higher and go beyond This step is a major part of some speed clinics during the letes belong to six different Coast is Matthew McShane, Gold medallist from Rio in any boundary set. strengthening our growth and September holidays.

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