It’s a Group Effort to Get Your Team to the Paralympics
Check out the amazing bond between Para-athletes and the people that help them get to the Games.
Dan ramps up his effort with coach Ken and assistant Ash
Dan Michel has his sights set on the Paris 2024 Paralympics, with help from his coach Ken Halliday and Ramp Assistant, Ash McClure.
Dan is one of Australia’s leading sports people in the field of Boccia. Coach Ken Halliday says that Dan never stops thinking about the game.
“He’s a very intelligent guy and he uses that to work through the game and tactics and strategies. It’s paid off for him.” – Ken
But Dan wouldn’t be able to achieve his medals without the amazing support of ramp assistant, Ash McClure.
“It is important to have someone that you have been with for a long time and me and Ash have that. We have a lot of history together, a lot of matches under our belts.
I’m hungry for more success and can’t wait to go again at the 2024 Paralympics.”
Dan
A family affair for Brodie
And it’s a family effort. Brodie and Molly are sisters and in the Aussie Belles Goalball Team. But it doesn’t stop there – the Team’s coach, Simon Smith, is their father!
“There’s the enjoyment of being able to be involved in sport with my kids. Goalball has always been a family thing we’ve been able to do.
“However, it was very important for me to ensure that I didn’t appear to be giving [them] preferential treatment!” – Simon
It’s the extra family support that will help Brodie and the Aussie Belles get to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
“My Dad is probably my biggest hero and role model. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his support and presence in my life.”
Brodie
Visualising a podium finish for Patrick
Patrick Jensen, Australian Winter Paralympian used to compete with his amazing guide, Amelia Hodgson. They worked together most recently during the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics.
“A vision-impaired skier and a guide need an insane level of trust that not many people experience in their lives.” – Patrick
Thankfully Patrick had a very special connection with his site guide, Amelia. That connection took the pair to the Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang and Beijing, and other international competitions.
“I’m not stopping until I get a podium finish at the Paralympics. I’m going to give it my best at every event and see where it puts me.”
Patrick
Para-alpine skiers must trust their guides completely when competing.
The cost of collaborating is MORE. Can you help?
It takes a lot to help your Para-athletes achieve their Paralympics dreams. It takes specialist equipment and training. Dedicated volunteers. Family and friends. It takes coaches and support teams.
“There’s also the support crew who help prepare us for events. I travel with a group of seven Para-athletes, and our team includes a head coach, development coach, program coach and assistants, plus a physio.”
Patrick
The EXTRA COST of the support team and people that assist Para-athletes achieving excellence is a huge barrier. A lot of their travel is self-funded, but they can’t do it without them.
The road to the Paralympic Games is long, difficult, and expensive, and many Paralympians are self-funded. So, it also takes financial support and funding, and support from people like you.
Will you please help get your Australian Paralympic Team to the Games – in 2024 and beyond?
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© 2024 Paralympics Australia |
Paralympics Australia acknowledges and pays respect to Elders past and present of the lands and waters on which we live, work and engage in sports together. We are committed to caring for those lands and people across the nation. We acknowledge the diversity, unique histories, cultures, knowledge and current experiences of individuals and communities across Australia. We celebrate their contributions to the nation broadly, and specifically to community and sport. Head Office Address: Building A, 1 Herb Elliott Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, Australia, 2127. |
© 2024 Paralympics Australia
Paralympics Australia acknowledges and pays respect to Elders past and present of the lands and waters on which we live, work and engage in sports together. We are committed to caring for those lands and people across the nation. We acknowledge the diversity, unique histories, cultures, knowledge and current experiences of individuals and communities across Australia. We celebrate their contributions to the nation broadly, and specifically to community and sport.
Head Office Address: Building A, 1 Herb Elliott Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, Australia, 2127.
Paralympics Australia Ltd. is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). Eligible tax-deductible donations have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status with the Australian Tax Office.
ACN: 061 547 957. ABN: 41 810 234 213
