Honorary Board Member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Thérèse Rein has congratulated members of the 2012 Australian Paralympic Team 63 days ahead of the Games Opening Ceremony on 29 August.

The Australian Paralympic Team holds a special place in Ms Rein’s heart, whose father John Rein carried the Australian flag at the 1956 Stoke Mandeville Games – the pre-cursor to the first ever Paralympic Games in Rome 1960.

"Congratulations to everyone who has been selected for Australia's London Paralympic team. Your years of grit, discipline and commitment to your sport as elite athletes, world class, best in class, inspires us all,” Ms Rein said.

“My dad carried the flag for the Australian team at the precursor to the Paralympics at the Stoke Mandeville Games in England in 1956. And now you are going back to London to show the world what Aussies can do.

“All Australia's hearts are with you as you go to London. We know you will do us proud."

As an RAAF navigator during World War Two, Ms Rein’s father was sent to Stoke Mandeville Hospital in England for rehabilitation from injuries sustained during the war. It was at that hospital where the Stoke Mandeville Games, regarded as the fore-runner to the Paralympics, began in 1948.

Mr Rein competed for Australia in archery and wheelchair basketball at the Games during the 1950s.

By APC Media

Posted 27/06/2012