Saturday, 21 September, 2015
FUNDING BOOST HELPS ATHLETES WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY REACH GLOBAL GAMES
The Andrews Labor Government has provided $10,400 funding to assist 20 Victorian athletes with an intellectual disability to reach the 2015 INAS Global Games in Ecuador.
Minister for Housing, Disability & Ageing, Martin Foley and Minister for Sport, John Eren said the Victorian Government was proud to provide support though AUSRAPID, who work to assist the inclusion of people with an intellectual disability into the community using sport and recreational activity.
From Australia 55 athletes will contest athletics, basketball, swimming and tennis championships in Guayaquil and Guaranda, Ecuador between 20 and 27 September, backed by 19 support staff.
The Australian team includes 33 Victorians, which is testament to the Victorian Government’s support for people with a disability to achieve their goals through social inclusion and sport.
The games have been relocated to Guayaquil and surrounding cities due to the recent intense activity in the Cotopaxi volcano near Quito, where the games had been due to be held.
The Opening Ceremony will be held on Sunday 20 September with competition in all disciplines commencing 21 September until 27 September.
In 2019, the 5th INAS Global Games will be held in Brisbane.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability & Ageing Martin Foley
“I am proud to be able to support the efforts of these exceptional athletes and the work of AUSRAPID who encourage community inclusion through activities like the Global Games.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, John Eren
“Congratulations to all the athletes participating in this 4th Global Games for athletes with an intellectual disability and best of luck to the Australian team in their events.”
Quotes attributable to AUSRAPID CEO, Robyn Smith
“We sincerely thank Minister Foley and Minister Eren for their support of the Victorians to compete at the highest level. We are expecting the team to do well with a mixture of experienced athletes and a quite a number of young emerging talent.”