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Last November, at a touching ceremony in Perth, Kevin Cunningham seemed deeply moved as he was presented Pin No.4, representing his eternal place in Australia’s Paralympic history.
It was to be a fitting finale to a life well lived.
Members of the 1960 & 1964 Teams are the 1st to be immortalised through our Paralympic pin project.
— AUS Paralympic Team (@AUSParalympics) November 28, 2022
The program celebrates the contribution to the Australian Paralympic Movement of more than 1100 athletes who have represented AUS at a #Paralympics: https://t.co/mfrYIJRmBM pic.twitter.com/2sPnsbTgo7
Cunningham passed away on January 4, leaving the Paralympic community saddened but thankful for his vast contribution as a two-time Games representative and one of only 12 athletes who competed for Australia at Rome 1960, the first Paralympic Games.
“We are so blessed that Kevin had the opportunity to receive his Australian Paralympian Pin last year so he knew how well respected and grateful we all are for what he has done for our Movement,” Australian Paralympic Team Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin said.
“Kevin competed at Rome 1960 and at the Tel Aviv Games in 1968, where he won a silver medal in athletics and in wheelchair basketball.
“Rest In Peace Kevin and thank you for everything you have done to pave the way for our Australian Paralympic Mob.”
Cunningham was one of seven members of the 1960 team who attended a 50-year reunion in 2010. The group included his wheelchair basketball teammates Kevin Coombs, Gary Hooper, Bill Mather-Brown, Bruno Moretti and Chris O’Brien.
Cunningham is survived by Maureen, his wife of 57 years, children Sean and Vanessa and six grandchildren.
By: David Sygall, Paralympics Australia
Posted: 27 January 2023
