ACT athletes competing at the Tokyo Paralympic Games have already won the support of the Territory with Minister for Sport and Recreation, Yvette Berry congratulating all 23 of them preparing to represent the nation.
Ms Berry said that with the Australian team, the biggest ever, just making the team was an achievement in itself.
“The whole community is incredibly proud to have you representing Australia and our Territory in Tokyo,” Ms Berry said.
“Eighteen of those selected are current ACT Academy of Sport (ACTAS) supported athletes with many others relocating to the ACT to train.”
She said the Territory’s athletes would compete for Australia across a range of sports including athletics, rowing, triathlon and swimming events.
“I am sure Canberrans will be excited to be able to watch our Paralympians in action during the unfortunate but necessary ACT lockdown, and it will be a great source of inspiration to see our athletes perform,” she said.
“We would like to wish all our athletes and staff the best of luck at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
“We look forward to cheering them on.”
The Minister said the ACTAS-supported athletes competing at the Games included Alissa Jordan, Angela Ballard, Ari Gesini, Chad Perris, Eliza Ault-Connell, James Turner, Jayden Sawyer, Jaydon Page, Samuel Carter, Samuel Harding, Sarah Walsh, Scott Reardon and Vanessa Low all in Athletics with Philo Saunders an athletics guide and Kathryn Ross, Renae Domaschenz and Nikki Ayers in Rowing and Emily Tapp in Triathlon.
Ms Berry said ACT training-based athletes competing in the Games included Evan O’Hanlon, Vincent Donnadieu, Deon Kenzie and Michael Roeger in Athletics with Jesse Aungles in Swimming.