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Our Paralympians are always inspiring Australians to aim higher.  

This weekend, a hardy group will put that message into action. Literally.  

Sixteen passionate trekkers will embark on a 20 kilometre ascent to the peak of Mount Kosciuszko, at 2228 metres, the highest point on the Australian continent.  

The adventure is the first of a series of treks hosted by Paralympics Australia, bringing together people keen to push their boundaries and raise much-needed funds for the Australian Paralympic Movement. 

“It’ll be testing, rewarding and, overall, an incredible adventure on one of Australia’s most iconic treks,” said Jon Perkins, Paralympics Australia’s Philanthropy Development Manager. 

“I’m really looking forward to it. We have a great team assembled, including some who’ve been associated with Paralympic sport for a long time and others who’ve joined the Movement more recently.

“The effort and energy they’ve put into their individual fundraising goals has been wonderful, raising $40,000 towards a target of $50,000 already.” 

Among the trekkers is Paralympian No.254, Richard Cordukes, a two-time Paralympic medallist who was among the first Australians to play wheelchair rugby, then known as murderball. Revered ABC broadcaster Karen Tighe is taking part, as are six staff members from Nine, which joined the Paralympic family as Paralympics Australia’s media partner and host broadcaster for the Paris Games earlier this year.  

“The work of Paralympics Australia involves preparing and delivering Australian teams to the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, expanding sport participation opportunities for people with a disability, building talent pathways, educating and advocating for inclusion and diversity – and so much more,” Perkins said.  

“We are a charity organisation, which means we rely on the support of governments, businesses and donations from individuals to do this work. It’s one reason we’re very excited about kicking off our adventure program, opening the door to people who want to gain a great experience and, at the same time, provide vital support for our work through fundraising and donations.” 

To donate or for more information on this trek and future adventures, visit: https://paralympic.grassrootz.com/paralympics-australia-kozi-trek-2024 

By: David Sygall, Paralympics Australia

Published: 27 November 2024