The Heritage Minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas has announced today (6 February 2008) that the Australian Paralympic Team is set to train in Wales before the 2012 Paralympic Games.
Following a fact-finding visit by Australian officials to Wales organised by the Welsh Assembly Government last December, which involved looking at accommodation, training and other facilities, the Australian Paralympic Committee has decided in principle to hold its pre-Paralympic training camp in Wales.
Rhodri Glyn Thomas said:
"This a substantial team, some 300 strong, and this development could lead toward a significant investment to the Welsh economy and an opportunity to further strengthen our economic, sporting and cultural ties with Australia. We have world class training facilities across Wales and are working proactively to promote Wales as a Pre Games destination to other Olympic and Paralympic teams around the world.
"The Australian Paralympic Committee’s decision to confirm Wales as a preferred partner is great news and a highly encouraging development this far out from the Games. We know that most countries won’t consider their planning for London 2012 until the 2008 Games in Beijing are over."
Jon Morgan, Executive Director of Disability Sport Wales said:
"This is wonderful news for Wales. Australia is one of the foremost countries within the Paralympic movement and their decision to hold their pre-games camp in Wales will be based on their requirement for world class accessible sporting facilities, outstanding technical support and a full appreciation of issues relating to accessibility and athlete support".
"Their decision to come to Wales reflect the commitment we have towards disability sports and the progress we have made as a nation over the past ten year"
"A further benefit in hosting Australia will be the opportunity to profile disability sports at its best and to inspire a new generation of children and young people"
Chair of the Sports Council for Wales, Philip Carling today welcomed the decision:
The Olympic and Paralympic Games are the among the greatest sporting events staged and this is an incredible opportunity for our small nation to showcase what we have to offer to the rest of the world.
"Returning with 12 golds, six silvers and nine bronze from the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, Wales won more medals per head of population than any other country in the world, firmly underlining our status on the disability sport stage.
"Top-class venues such as the Wales National Pool in Swansea, the National Whitewater Centre in Bala and the National Velodrome in Newport have proven themselves as worthy settings for world-class performers and we look forward to welcoming the Australian Paralympic contingent to sample their offerings in four years time."
The Heritage Minister hosted the President and Chief Executive of the Australian Paralympic Committee when they were on their fact finding tour to Wales.
The President of the Australian Paralympic Team has written to the Assembly Government's First Minister to confirm their intention.
In his letter, to the First Minister confirming their intention, Geoff Hartung, President of the Australian Paralympic Team said:
"I was very impressed with the reception we received from your Minister and officials during our visit in December. My board is enthusiastically looking forward to further developing a warm and close partnership as we build to what will be, undoubtedly, a very successful Paralympic Games in 2012".
For more information, contact Lowri Jones, 029 2089 8980.
