Annual Report 1994 Ii"~·Contents '94 CONTENTS 1 Ayeqrof APF STRUCTURE 2

AUSTRALIAN PARALYMPIC FEDERATION annual report 1994 ii"~·CONTeNTS '94 CONTENTS 1 ayeQROF APF STRUCTURE 2

GOLD PRESIDENTS REpORT 3

SEC - GENERAL REPORT 5

GOLD MEDALS '94 7

LILLEHAMMER 8

MEDIA REpORT 10

COMMISSIONS REPORT 11

SPORTS REpORT 13

OLYMPIC ATHLETE PROGRAM 15

• SYDNEY 2000 17 •

AUSTRALIAN PARALYMPIC FEDERATION

annual report 1994

1 AUSTRALIAN PARALYPMIC FEDERATION

PRESIDENT Bob McCullough Chairman - Aust. Wheelchair Athletes

VICE PRESIDENTS Paul Bird Principal - Robina Slate Public School Executive Director Amputee Assn of Aust. MEMBER ORGANISATIONS Dawn Fraser Director NRMA Cerebral Palsy Aust Sport & Recreation Fed. Australian Blind Sports Federation Australian Amputee Association VOTING MEMBERS Australian Wheelchair Athletes Riding for Disabled Australia Marie Little Australian Disabled Skiers Federation Executive Officer - SA RAPID Aust. Recreation Assn for People with an President - AUSRAPID Intellectual Disability Member of Large - IPC Executive

Don Perriman CEO & SECRETARY GENERAL Physiotherapist - TAC Head Injury Unit Director - Atist. Wheelchair Athletes Frank Martin

Terry Biggs ASO - Australian Taxallon Office DIRECTOR OF SPORT President - CP ASRF Jenni Banks Nick Dean Sale Agent - Colliers & Jardine Insurance NATIONAL OFFICE President - Aust. Disabled Skiers Fedn. Sports House· Wentworth Park Complex Sue Cusack Wattle Street, Glebe 2037 Executive Director - Riding for the Disabled Australia Tel (02) 5526589 Ian Fowler Fax (02) 552 6347 Executive Director - Australian Blind Sports Federation PO Box 323, Glebe· 2037 ARBN 061 547957

COMMISSION CHAIRMAN SPORT George Dunstan MEDIA Paul Griffiths BANKERS FINANCE Philip Walker Commonwealth Bank of Australia MARKETING Andrew Caro DEVELOPMENT Maurice Frichot HON. SOLICITORS ATHLETES Brendan Burkett MEDICAL Dr John Bourke Freehill, Hollingdale & Page

2 • PReSlDeNTs RepORT

The success of the Australian Organisations taking full responsibility for Paralympic Team at the 1994 Winter sport for people with a disability through to Paralympic games at Lillehammer coupled a collaborative approach. A clear agreement with quality performances at World by all concerned Is essential and the Board Championships in Track & Field. Shooting. intends to clarify the situation in the Cycling. Weightlifting. Tennis and Basketball ensuing year. and the Commonwealth Games in Victoria The wrangling over the organisation augers well for Australian sportspeople with and structure of sport for people with a a disability. These results are a credit to the disability. which has been going on since athletes. coaches and the Australian October 1992. Is now hopefully drawing to a Paralympic Federation Member close. As President I would Sincerely hope organisations. that the Australian Paralymplc Federation It is indeed fitting to commence this and Its Members are not subjected to any report with an indication of the success of further pressures and the work in developing Australian Paralympic Athletes as this is a the organisation and providing services to true measure as to whether or not the the athletes can proceed smoothly. Australian Paralympic Federation is meeting In terms of the organisation structure its objectives. The Board certalnly believes the basic Management Commissions that. through the work of the APF Members covering Finance. Policy. Marketing. Sport. and support structure of a wide range of Media. Medical and Athletes is now in place organisations. the preparation of Australian and APF Councils have been established In athletes is showing a clear improvement in vtrtually all States to assist in fUl1d raising performance at international level. and promoting the ParaIympic Movement. The building of the foundations for These Councils are conSidered· essential in any austensively voluntary organisation .is building an Australia - wide network of not an easy task and certainly a more communications and support. difficult task when it comes to Paralympic The area of marketing and corporate Sports. Eliminating pity and the emotional sponsorship to meet administrative costs. and creating a perception of achievement in support to athletes and team travel has been sport irrespective of a disability is one of the a problem area for the APF vtrtually since its greatest hurdles. The APF has come a long inception. While the public and business way in promoting athletes with a disability sector rallied. through a last minute public as people and achievers in Paralympic appeal. to financially support the Barcelona Sports and the eliminalion of dtrect and Madrid Paralympic teams. the needed comparison with Olympic Sports and the cash flow since then has not matertalised. funding of such sports. The Board conSiders To overcome the problem Sports Marketing this is the approach which athletes want and and Management Pty Ltd of Sydney have the correct direction in the overall been appOinted exclusively for marketing development and marketing of Paralympic and spoRsorship through to Atlanta 1996. Sports. This organisation will. if requtred. assist in There are also pressures by the the fund raising and special events area. Australian Sports Commission on Other activities in the fund raising area are integration and while the APF welcomes co the telemarketing of Diaries and T Shirts by operation with Nalional Sporting Sports Fund-raising Australia. which provide Organisations It must be understood that a useful cash flow. the responsibility for Paralympic Teams and Functions to create an awareness of IPC competitions rests with the APF Member the Paralympic Movement and to raise funds organisations. The whole question on the are another tmportant element and it was interpretation of the Commonwealth indeed pleaSing to have the backing of Government's policy on integration requires Registered Clubs Association of NSW In examination. as its Interpretalion by oth~rs arranging a function at the Canterbury appears to range from National Sporting Bankstown League Club with the Premier of

3 NSW Hon John Fahey, present. The Premier in his address gave stronp: support to the Paralympic movement and spoke highly of the success of Australian athletes in recent times. The Australian Paralympic Federation thanks the President of the Registered Clubs Association, Mr Jack Ball and the Canterbury Bankstown League Club for organising the dinner which raised $70,000. The Commonwealth Government initiative of the Olympic Athlete Program, to provide funding for the preparatioFl of the Olympic and Paralympic teams through to Sydney 2000 along with some administration assistance, is most welcome. Work has already commenced with the ." formation of the Atlanta Training Squad and the appointment of Jenni Banks as the APF Director of Sport. Jenni has extensive experience in the area of sport for people with a disability and has coached a number of athletes to Paralympic Gold and World Record standard. The peIiod ahead through to the Paralympic Games in August 1996 is an important time. Important in that the APF with its management, marketing and fund raising in place must succeed in preparing and supporting the Atlanta Team. It is essential for Australia to demonstrate its strength and professionalism in selling the Sydney 2000 Paralympic games to the world at Atlanta in 1996. This is p:oing to require considerable team work and dedication from the Member organisations, the athletes and all those organisations and volunteers involved in the Paralympic movement. Parallel to this is the need for sound government support at all levels. On behalf of the Board, I would like to congratulate those athletes who have represented Australia in 1993/94 and wish them every success in training for selection for Atlanta. To the APF Member organisations, APF Councils, staff, and team management, support and medical staff sincere thanks for your support and dedication. The support of the Australian Sports Commission is acknowledged. NSW Department of Sport, Bob McCullough PreSident Recreation and Racing

4 seCR~aRY GeNeRaLs 'RepORT

Where to from here? The question I bid for the Paralympic Games came in the asked myself when I agreed to take on the unfortunate. much publicised wrangle task offered by the Australian f>aralympic belween the APF and the Government over Federation Board, less than six months ago, the underwIiting of the Games. Happily, I The APF Is a very young sporting can report that a very good relationship now organisation by any standards, yet one with has been developed with NSW Premier John an enormous responsibility to ils members - Fahey and his Government. not only Its member organisations, but those There are, indeed. exciting times young men and women who have chosen to ahead - not only in the preparation for the pursue elite sporting careers despite staging of the 2000 Games, but in the physical and mental disabilities. 1994 has development of the athletes and the provided me with an excellent Introduction Federation - over the next six years to the to their prowess. tum of the century. In March, Australian television audiences marvelled at an all-tei-brief AUSTRALIAN TEAMS exposure of six young Australian Skiers During 1994, there has been a quiet, (courtesy of two ABC 1V specials) competing yet significant .. change in management of against the mountain at Lillehammer. That overseas teams. as the APF takes on a bigger they were disabled gave their already role. From financial assistance only to some. polished performances even more provision of staff to others. to the total creditability. management. staff and orga,nlsational Being' fortunate enough to meEt the responsibilities of mUlti-disability events skiers shortly after my appOintment as outside the primary role of Paralympic Secretary-General, gave me a tremendous Games. This is most Important as we insight into the desire, ambition and drive of prepare to tackle our biggest challenge yet - these young Australians Infectious Atlanta 1996. attIibutes which will remain with me forever. For many. 1994 has been a leantlng As I get to meet more of the curve (a steep one at that when thrown in at Paralymplans, who have so creditably the deep end). But to their credit the young represented Australia. I am driven to strive developing, talent - both in athletes and even harder, in my own personal endeavours management - have taken on the challenge and through leadership of my staff and with enthusiasm. To see enthusiastic young volunteers, to ensure the success of the APF. managers. support offiCials, medical staff, To provide. through my own vast experience coaches and administrators prepared to give in the managemenl of sport, an obstacle-free freely of their time Without recompense avenue for Australia's Paralympians to reach augurs well for the future of Australian their potential. Paralympic sports participation at the highest level. SYDNEY 2000 GAMES There are very few people in DEVELOPMENT Australia, especially in Sydney, who will ever Whether it has been in the past is forget where they were on the night of not something which I am qualified to September 23. 1993. The now famous (mis) comment on, but a primary focus point of pronunCiation of Sydney as the host city for attention will be the development, not only the Olympic Games in 2000. the APF structure and management, but of It was most appropIiate that the athletes themselves. Development in Australia's (previously?) greatest sporting terms of better preparation through the, memory was on that same day a decade soon to be announced, OAP funded Training before-when Australian II won the America's Squads. Appoinlment of National Coaches Cup. for each Paralympic sport. And development The first time the majOrity of of the ancillary attributes required by elite Australians became aware of the successful v athletes like better nutritional and sports medicine support services.

PARALYMPIC WEEK The inaugural Paralympic Week took place at the end of September with unprecendented national media exposure via specials on Wide World of Sport and A Current Affair - the two covering the making of the advertising campaign for Paralympic Week by advertising giant, DDB Needham in Sydney. In total the generous support given to the APF by DDBs represented over $lm in production costs and complimentary media placement. The pIint, radio and 1V ads featured amputee, Neil Fuller and blind swirnmer, ~, Tracey Cross - both giving freely of their time to assist the cause.

PARALYMPIAN OF THE YEAR In one of the major inillatlves of the APF, 1994 sees the inaugural award to recognise the most ou tstandlng athlete of the year. A hard enough task from a single sport, single disability base, let alone the wide diversity of paralympic sports. The. performances of this year's 6 finalists, louise Sauvage, Neil Fuller, PIiya Cooper, :Alison Quinn, BIian McNicholl and Michael Norton are awesome and it behoves the distinguished group of judges to make their choice - anyone of the six would be a worthy winner.

THE FUTURE Much is left to do in the building of the APF to a "corporation" with which I will be totally satisfied. The end result will provide the sort of services and project the image now enjoyed by such well established organisations as the Australian Olympic Committee - an organisation up with the leaders in sport management in the World. There is no easy road to achieving this goal - it can only be achieved with thorough planning and co-operation from all member organisations and athletes alike. Once a business/corporate plan is prepared and agreed, then the APF Board, staff, member organisations and State Paralympic Councils can work together to achieve common goals. FRANK MARTIN DDB NEEDHAM WORLDWIDE Advertising 6 GOLD MeDaLS 94

ALPINE SKIING Michael Norton Wheelchair VIC Michael Milton Amputee ACT

ATHLETICS Fabian B1attman Wheelchair NSW John Eden Amputee VIC Don Elgin Amputee NSW David Evans Amputee NSW Anton Flavel Int. Dis WA Neil Fuller Amputee SA Paul Mitchell Int. Dis WA Racquel Nugent Int. Dis QLD Alison Quinn CP NSW Sharon Rackman Int. DiS ACT Louise Sauvage Wheelchair WA Russell Short Blind VIC Greg Smith Wheelchair VIC Darren Thrupp CP QLD Stephen Welling Amputee QLD Jodi Willis Blind VIC Paul Wiggins Wheelchair WA

CYCLING Lyn Lepore & Blind WA Tim Harris WA Paul Clohessy & Blind WA Eddy Hollands WA Terri Poole & Blind WA Sandra Smith WA Paul Lake Amputee VIC ,

SHOOTING '< Libby Kosmala Wheelchair SA

SWIMMING Kelly Barnes Amputee VIC Petra Barker Int. Dis WA Kingsley Bugarin Blind WA Melissa Carlton Amputee TAS PIiya Cooper CP WA Tracey Cross Blind WA Gemma Dashwood Amputee WA Rene Hardenbol Int. Dis WA Joseph Walker Int. Dis NSW

TENNIS Michael Connell & Wheelchair NSW David Hall Wheelchair NSW

7 LiLLeHaMMeR 94

When the first APF sponsored A large village mess hall provided Australian team returned from the Albertville excellent varied meals. The village had its (France) Winter Games in 1992 with the first own variety of shops, bank, post office, medals won by an Australian at a Winter reception and meeting rooms, church, Games, planning began immediately for cinema, disco and a free laundry service. Lillehammer in 1994, The Norwegian Army provided a stringent A two year training and squad securi~ service. development programme, coupled with the The Royal Norwegian, Army also appointment of high profile ski coach, Steve ensured that medal presentations were Graham, brought results at Lillehammer conducted with, appropriate pomp and which could only have been dreamed of: ceremony. The opening and closing ceremonies Michael Milton GOLD, SILVER & BRONZE were gala affairs which reflected a sense of Michael Norton 2 GOLD occasion and the games spirit. The DavidMunk BRONZE importance of the Games had a wondrous James Patterson SILVER & BRONZE effect on the local communl~ of Lillehammer (pop. 20000) - volunteers and offiCials alike. Rod Hacon consistently missed a The Norwegians were casual and friendly. medal place by the barest of margins but, at The military were always willing to aSSist the end of the day, could be comforted in the with transport, snow cleaning, laundry, etc. knowledge that he ranked in the top six in the world and a little extra work and luck TEAM OFFICIALS would eventually bring? Coaches: Steve Graham & Dean Shepperd Team captain, Craig Windham, Support: Alan Dean, Eddie Jesiolowski, suffered leg' injury during training for the David Howells & Fiona Barnsdall downhill., Manager: Ron Finneran Australia finished 5th overall in the Media: Paul Griffit1!s Alpine skiing competition. and II th in the Chef de Mission: Nick Dean field of 31 nations in the total medal count. Australia does not ye~ compete at international level in cross country skiing or PREPARATION in the ice sports events. Yet with a total of Six separate camps were conducted about 1000 athletes and offiCials at in Australia between October 1992 and Lillehammer, the impact of the tiny October 1993. In November, the team was contingent from downunder was remarkable. selected for the Lillehammer Games. To conclude preparation for the Games, 4 weeks training and racing were conducted for the team in Tamsweg, Austria THE EVENT and one week training at Hafjell, Norway - The Alpine skiing was conducted at site of the Games. Tamsweg was selected the ski area of Hafjell. where the Olympic due to its similari~ in snow conditions, competition had been held - facilities were weather and terrain to the Games race site. excellent. Each group was provided with two The squad contested races, during Volvo station wagons and Paralympic buses that time, in the Austrian and German ran a pre-determined schedule. National championships. Comfortable single and twin According to coach, Steve Graham, bedrooms, common amenities block, team "the training camps leading up to the Games office and common room with a fresh daily developed the team into a very strongly knit, supply of soft and sports drinks. The clearly directed group. The selected training common areas were furnished with a TV, pay site contributed greatly to the overall phone, large refrigerator and a computerised success" " information service.

8 9 COMMissioNS Lillehammer

RESULTS MEDIA The outstanding achievements of DOWNHILL Australia's most elite disabled athletes across a range of events in 1994 once again Class generated considerable media attention. XII M Norton DNF In particular, the unprecedented LWXI RHacon 5TH success of Australia's Winter Paralympians LW9 J Patterson 2ND was captured In two thirty minute ABC 1V LW2 M Milton 3RD specials shown In Australia after the Games. Regrettably, the considerable cost of transporting and· meeting the meal and SUPERG accommodation costs of a television crew, Class combined with limited available funding, LWXI M Norton 1ST necessitated a scaling down of media DMunk 6TH expenses for su bsequent 1994 competitions. ~i LWXII RHacon 4TH APF Media Officer, Paul Griffiths, LW9 J Patterson DNF attended the IPC World Athletics LW2 MMilton 3RD Championships in Berlin without a television crew but was successful in creating considerable interest in the print GIANT SLALOM media and on radio. Subsequent Class competitions, relying on an Australia-based LWXII D Munk 3RD media effort have also been successful. M Norton DNF Pleasingly, gains made In recent LWXII RHacon 4TH years in terms of media recognition of LW9 . J Patterson 3RD disabled athletes abilities rather than their LW2 M Milton 1ST disabilities seem to have been. consolidated in 1994. The enormous amount of media generated by Arthur Tunstall's comments at SLALOM the Commonwealth Games and subsequent Class show of public and government support also LWXI M Norton 1ST left no doubts as to the high esteem in which DMunk 4TH the achievements of disabled athletes are LWXII RHacon DNF now held. LW9 J Patterson DNF Despite this, there is a pressing need LW2 M Milton 2ND to improve the overall media and public relations approach of the APF; To date, activities have focussed almost· solely on athlete success at major events - this interest has been unsustained between events. If the APF is to be successful in gaining a higher public, government, and SPONSORED BY corporate profile - a necessary pre-requisite to achieving increased sponsorship - a much broader approach which secures more TRAVEL regular exposure of APF objectives, activities, RELATED and athletes is necessary. SERVICES An American Express company • UNISYS 10 COMMissioNS

& conducted by Wide World of Sports MARKETING commentator. Ken Sutcliffe. FUND-RAISING Another such function is due The APF Board, at its June to be hosted by the St Georges 1994 meeting, realising the enormous Leagues Club, and conducted by the task ahead to raise the necessary NSW Timber Industry Association funding to ensure support for with 400 patrons expected to attend. participation at Atlanta, appOinted the It is this type of activity which is most marketers, Sports Marketing and acceptable in the current climate with Management, for a period up to and many other worthy causes vying for ending the Atlanta Games. the donation dollar. Their function is to seek Sports Fund-raising Australia corporate support for the APF and its has been operating a successful fund international teams, to provide raiSing practice in the name of APF guidance and advice in the areas of Special Projects for some months marketing, licensing and fund-raising, now. Substantial revenue has been as well as seek other means of generated, firstly from the sale of support such as requirements in Executive Diaries and more recently team outfitting and travel. from a special T-Shirt sales operation. With SMAM comes almost a Victorian Wheelchair Sports decade of experience and knowledge contributed to the APF fund-raising since their inception as marketers to efforts (from their efficient the Australian Olympic Committee for telemarketing operations) at the the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. beginning of the year but. While the corporate support understandable. their own challenge remains with SMAM, the organisation's needs have forced them APF itself is faced with its own to concentrate on raising funding for challenge of meeting Its share of VWS. revenue through ingenious and The APF benefited (to the tune attractive fund-raising activities if $50,000) from the professionally which return the most cost and run AAP Art Union and. Golf Day and, resources efficient methods available. although not a benefiCiary from the A fund-raising dinner, 1995 event. it is hoped that the organised by the Registered Clubs opportunity will again be aVailable Association of NSW. realised a very leading up to the Atlanta Games in worthwhile amount of $70,000 when 1996. hosted by the Canterbury Bankstown A full calendar of fund-raising League Club In July. The dinner was events is planned for 1995, not only attended by NSW Premier, John to provide additional funds for Fahey and Chief Secretary, Anne Atlanta, and to support the Cohen. The presence of these two administration of the APF, but also to high profile members of the be able to contribute to further Government ensured a successful development of the APFs greatest night. resource - its Paralympic athletes As well as the mandatory (present and future). entertiii::tment, the auction proVided The APF struck up an the greatest interest and revenue association with the Sydney Turf Club source - David Campese limited during 1994 which saw participation edition and signed jersey bringing at the October staging (on Sydney's $4000 and five Poker Machines, picturesque Rosehill racecourse) of donated by manufactures, averaged Silver Slipper Day. The NSW $8000 each. The evening was capably members of the World Championship

11 Swimming Team were guests of the athletes to the APF Board. the role is STC as were NSW resident-members see as carrying a wider mandate for of the Australian Women's Wheelchair the future. Basketball team. Development of the athletes is seen as contributing to both the DEVELOPMENT athletes themselves and to improving Development has come in the image and increasing the public many ways during 1994. None more awareness of the Paralympian effective than the establishment of movement. State Paralympic Councils in WA, SA. Athlete's ability to deal with Victoria. ACT. QLD and NSW with press ures of the media. and other plans In place establish outside distractions. is paramount for representation of the APF in NT and future development. A closer working Tasmania. relationship is also seen as essential In Queensland the Council has between Paralympians and the a full time administrator in blind organisations which represents them athlete. Gerrard Gosens. who works on the international sports scene - the very effiCiently in an office donated by APF. a Brisbane small business. has his own "talking" computer and a well MEDICAL COMMISSION trained member of staff in gUide dog. The Medical Commission was Anchor. set up in 1993 and its area of All Council members. in each activities includes doping. State. are voluntary. Each State classification. research and 'sports Council operated a business breakfast medicine. The sports medicine during September. and WA ran a section includes the medical touring successful art union. expected to policy of the APF. raise in excess of $30.000. The members of the committee The primary tasks of the include Susan White (Doctor). Don Councils are to raise funds and to Perrlman (Physiotherapist). Jane spread the Paralympic word to the Buckley (PhYSiotherapist). Fiona widest audience. both through Mance (PhYSiotherapist). Norma Beer speCialised activities and in general (Nursing Sister), Scott Goodman everyday contact. - (Coach and technical expert) and The other form of development Jenni Banks. comes with the structure of The committee have had one management of the APF and the need formal meeting. at the TAC games in to "move with the times". Much Melbourne. in 1994. The staff planning and thought has gone into involved in provision of the medical the re-vamped constitution of the APF services at the Berlin Track & Field and its streamlined management Championships and the FESPIC structure designed to run the games were chosen with a view of "corporation" side of the Federation assessing them from the point o[,view more effiCiently. of their participation at Atlanta In Improved operations of the 1996. All staff have performed at a Commissions (and sub-committees very high level at these two Games. attached to these) Is the anticipated The level of expertise in all by-product of these changes. areas of classification (ie. CP-ISRA. ATHLETES ISOD. Les Autres and ISMWSF) will The role of the athletes be upgraded in the next twelve representative has been a matter of months in Australia. debate at both national and IPC level. It is then hoped to send Far from being the issuing agent for appropriate people overseas to survey forms and carrier of complete their International complaints and concerns from the 'qualiflcatlons In these areas.

12 SPORTS RepORT

The portfolio of Sport, within the APF INTERNATIONALS structure, will always be one of the most Participation by Australians at major important. It is, in essence, the reason. for International championships was as varied the APF existence. Mter all, the fundamental in the countries of participation as it was in philosophy of the Federation is to provide the number of sports. Likewise the three the support for elite athletes to participate at major areas at the most elite level also took their peak in International compelltlon. three different versions - Commonwealth As the organisation, as a whole, Games in Canada; the Winter Paralympic moves through Its development, the area of Games in Norway; and World sport will be the one where the major direct Championships covering the globe, Also a input will be received from many of the strong presence In the FESPIC Games In outside agencies which make up the China provided an opportunity for up and Paralympic sporting movement in Australia, coming athletes to gain valuable Members of the continuously international experience in this development evolVing sports portfolio have, and will competition for the Far East and South continue, to act as the APF processing unit PaCific region, on the many areas connected with sports Limitations on space In a publication participation, such as an annual report often ffiJl to do The original Gold Medal plan and the justice to the coverage of each event, sport Training Squads, which have taken shape and participants, And without seeking to over recent months, under the Olympic single out any performance as belpg better Athlete Program (OAP); justification roles for than another, some of the highlights are international teams and appolntroent of listed below, Australians contested the effective management and support staff for following major international events: overseas teams; tribunal roles in disputes or disiplinary action, are just a few of the WINTER PARALYMPIC GAMES - Norway activities for which this portfolio has responsibility, COMMONWEALTH GAMES - Canada With the assistance of the Athlete FESPIC (Development) GAMES - China Commission, the Sports Commission will also maintain an Interest In the development of a support structure for the athletes WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS themselves, both domestically, during their WEIGHTLIFTING - Melbourne preparation for World Championships and CYCLING - Belgium Paralympic Games, and internationally EQUESTRIAN (DRESSAGE) - England during the actual competitions, ATHLETICS - Germany The enthusiasm and support shown ARCHERY - Belgium by all members of the Commission Is certain TENNIS - England to continue (and increase) as the time gap SHOOTING - Australia closes towards Atlanta in 1996, MENS WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL - USA 1994 has been a Golden Year for the WOMENS WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL - UK Australian Paralymplc Federation with an SWIMMING - Malta enviable record created by our athletes in BOCCIA - England major intern.ational competitions, I am sure MENS GOALBALL - USA my fellow members of the Sports During 1994, international Commission share a sense of pride (for the athletes' achievements) and satisfaction for participation by Australian competitors was the honour of being a part of it. realised in almost every Paralympic sport, The number of Gold medals achieved (listed on page 11) illustrates the success of George Dunstan Australian athletes during the past year, Chairman - Sports Commission

13 The media inspired controversy swimmer by taking 4 GOLD and setting two surrounding the inclusion of disabled new world marks. While these two were the athletes in the Commonwealth Games best performers as far as captuling medals should not be allowed to divert attention there were many outstanding efforts. The from the performances of Australian athletes meet also identified some young developing who were fortunate enough to expelience the talent which will guarantee Australia's atmosphere of the large audiences. dominance in the pool at Atlanta. As with Amputee swimmer. Melissa Carlton, the athletics Worlds, the Australians captured the hearts of 1V viewers when she finished 2nd on the medal table, behind hopped onto the dias to collect the fIrst of a England, with 42 medals (17 GOLD) from a record haul of swimming Gold medals for the team of 17 swimmers. Australians. Paul Wiggins win in the wheel 9€ chair marathon, by streets (literally), was The team which earned the nickname arguably the most outstanding in world of the "Chartots. of Fire" left the Cycling class performances. But this Is not to take Worlds in Belgium in awe as they "stole" all away from the medal success of Brendan the GOLD, especially in the tandem events. Burkett and Kelly Barnes (swimming), and Leading the charge, Tern Poole and Sandra John Hubbard (lawn bowls). The on-going Smith started in 4 events with success in all debate over Inclusion of disabled to win 4 GOLD medals and set new world competition In events such as the marks in three. Commonwealth and Olympic Games will And Paul Clohessy and Eddie continue. But given the aim of this exercise Hollands added their own 3 GOLD to a total the demonstration events in Canada were an haul of 14 medals (9 GOLD) - the pair also undisputed success, especially for the set one of the 5 World records broken by the widened media exposure it provided for elite Australians in the 12 events they contested. disabled sports. 9€ . Liesl Tesch was again named in the Amputee, Neil Fuller and Wheelchair All Star World 5 (also named in Barcelona), racer, Louise Sauvage, were just two of the afIer the Womens Wheelchair Basketball success . stolies of the Athletics Worlds team took the bronze medal in the Gold Cup staged n1 Berlin. Fuller, for his 4 GOLD competition, to be the first Australian team medal haul in similar style to (and at the to qualify for the '96 Paralympics. Captain, same Olympiastadium as) the legendary Donna Ritchie took the team into the event Jesse Owens in 1936, set a magical record. ranked No 4 and came out in the No 3 spot. Sauvage confIrmed her position as the world's fastest female racer with 3 GOLD in middle distance events, afIer dominating splint events in Barcelona. The Marathon (staged 2 months afIer the main track program) saw her win another GOLD medal. Alisc:ln QUinn and DaVid Evans also wore out a path to the dias to collect 3 GOLD medals each in Berlin. In all the fInal medal tally of 56 (25 GOLD) was the greatest achievement by an Australian athletics team overseas, finishing second to Germany on the medal table. 9€ Pliya Cooper became a "household name" in the inaugural World Swimming titles in Malta when she captured 5 individual GOLD medals at the meet and 3 new world records including one established as the first leg swimmer of the relay. Rene Hardenbol also proved that he was the Australian Sports world's best male mentally impaired Commission

14 • OLYMPlC aTHLere PROGRQM

. Sydney's successful bid for the 2000 evaluation. and cooperative administrative OlympiC and Paralympic Games has support. generated some unprecedented Accordingly, APF Olympic Athlete developments In Australian sport, most Program funding will target four major areas: significantly in terms of government funding. Australia has always had a proud Administration tradition in both Olympic and Paralympic Coaching sport. However. the successful 2000 Games Training camps bid has provided the Federal Government Travel to International Competition with the extra incentive to ensure that our OlympiC and Paralympic athletes are given Administration every possible opportunity to develop to their The recently appointed APF Director of highest potential and to represent our Sport. a position made possible by the OAP country with distinction. funding for administration. will be The Government response to the bid responsible for the overall development and win has been to announce the OlympiC coordination of the Olympic Athlete Program. Athlete Program. Launched by Federal including liaisiQn with all of the "major Minister for Envlronment, Sport and players". . Territiories, John Falkner In July this year, the Olympic Athlete Program includes Coaching funding for the preparation of the Australian National coaches and. where apIlropriate. Paralympic Team for Atlanta in 1996 and for assistant coaches will be appOinted to each the development of athletes for the Sydney of the Atlanta Paralymplc sports. Their role 2000 Paralympic Games. will be to develop appropriate training and competition programs; to assist in the The APF Olympic Athlete Program identification of the sports SCience. sports The OAP funding for disabled sport, medicine. and other needs of their squads; with the exception of AlS and state sports and to assist in athlete monitoring. Institute scholarship funding, will be managed through the APF OlympiC Athlete Training Camps Program. AsSistance will be provlded in the The goal of the APF OlympiC Athlete coordination. resourcing. and funding of Program will be to provide Australia's elite approved training camps. disabled athletes with the guidance and support necessary to allow them to perform Travel to International Competition to their potential at the 1996 Atlanta and Funding will be available through the OAP 2000 Sydney Paralymplc Games. . program to cover some of the costs for travel Although Australian disabled sport to appropriate and approved International has enjoyed conSiderable success across a competitions. range of sports in recent years, there are still many areas which require Improvement. If Scholarships for athletes with Australian disabled athletes are to perform disabilities at the Australian Institute of to their potential at the Atlanta and Sydney Sporl will also be Increased as well as Paralympic Qames, It Is Vital that the APF scholarship opportunities through the Olympic Athlete Program attends to all of National Training Centres Network. the Ingredients essential for success In elite level sport - namely. a well-structured plan, APF Squad Selection committed athletes, expert coaching, sports It is envisaged that each APF member science and medical support, appropriate organisation will have a training and competition, talent identification, rigorous. development squad for Atlanta and Sydney. From these squads. the APF Atlanta Squad

15 and an APF Development Squad wllI be SYDNey 2000 selected. Selection requirements will be stringent. Only athletes with demonstrated international success and proven Planning for the Sydney 2000 Paralympic commitment will be selecteil in the APF Games is proceeding with the NSW Atlanta Squad. Athletes on the fringe. Government fonning an Intertm Sydney considered to have the potential to make the Paralympic Organising Committee in Aprtl APF Atlanta Squad standard. given the 1993. approprtate guidance and support, will be President Dr John Grant AM, OBE. included in the development squad. APF Atlanta Squad athletes will have access to Committee George Dunstan coaching. training camps, and assistance Marte Little with international travel costs; APF Bob McCullough Development Squad athletes will be eligible Peter Trotter for coaching assistance and attendance at Dr John Bourke training camps, John Brown AO Donna Ritchie The Overall Plan Office of Olympic An outline of the overall APF Olympic Co-ordinating staff Athlete Program will be available shortly, Beverley Bowyer Prior to that, it is essential for all concerned Paul Clarke to recognise and accept that achievement of Catherine Hanly optimal athlete performance In Atlanta and Sydney will require the coordinated Input The Committee was established to and efforts of all the major players in undertake the Important rol~ of advising the Australian disabled sport - the NSOD'S, the Government on the best organisational NSO's, State and Territory Sports mechanism for the 2000 ParalympiCs and to Departments, Institutes, and Academies - it develop a suitable Paralympic Contact for cannot be achieved through the efforts of the negotiation with the International APF alone, All parties must brtng therr Paralympic Committee (IPC) . expertise and resources to bear to ensure the The work of tlIe Interim committee is success of the program. now complete and the draft Host City In addition, while the management of Contract document has been forwarded to the Olympic Athlete Program Is the the International Paralympic Committee. A responsibility of the APF, the member formal presentation was made, on behalf of organisations will retain therr the NSW Government, by Dr John Grant to responsibilities in the coordination and the IPC Executive in Paris In November. management of International competition The overall work of the Committee and training camps and assOCiated funding has included progressing of negotiations arrangements other than those allocated by with the Sydney Organising Committee for the APF. the Olympic Games (SOCO(;J in identiJying While the amount of funding .now common facilities and services. This work available to disabled sport represents a has laid a solid foundalion for future close significant increase on previous levels, it co-operation between the two organisations. falls well short of needs. The APF will The next step is the fonnation of the endeavour to secure a more equitable share Sydney Paralympic Organising .Committee of funding In future years. For now, It Is (SPOC). which is currently being processed essential that the funding avaJlable Is by the Premier's Department, and the managed effectively, and further, that the employment of the senior staff. various organisations involved in disabled Overall approach in the organisation sport work together towards achieving the of the 2000 Games has been professional goal of optimal performance in the Atlanta and the pertod from now through to the year and Sydney Paralympic Games. 2000 is going to be very exciting for the Paralympic movement in Australia.

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AUSTRALIAN PARALYMPIC FEDERATION PO Box 323. GLEBE 2037 Tel (02) 552 6589 Fax (02) 552 6347