The ADF Paralympic Sports Programme, which was launched at a ceremony in Canberra by APC President Greg Hartung and Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshall Angus Houston, will deliver a wealth of sporting benefits to disabled members of the military primarily through providing them with access to the APC’s Paralympic Sport programmes.

During the Ceremony, Hartung said the newly forged partnership is an important step in expanding the Australian Paralympic Movement as the programme will provide opportunities for wounded and injured ADF members that were not previously available.

Hartung said: "Signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Defense’s Joint Health Command and the Australian Paralympic Committee is a significant step for Paralympic sport in this country.

"It opens up a wealth of possibilities for those ADF members who have acquired a disability to gain access to APC’s world class Sports Science, Sports Medicine and High Performance Coaching Programmes.

"Both Australian Paralympians and members of the Australian Defence Force strive to do the best job possible and be the best they can be under the Australian flag.

"In this way, there is a natural connection between the APC and the ADF and we hope that through the extensive knowledge of our APC staff, this partnership is able to produce some world class athletes, as well as help ADF members who have acquired a disability to rehabilitate and move on with their lives."

Through the partnership, the APC will work with the ADF to provide program participants with advice on specialised physical fitness training and rehabilitation, effectively beginning the journey towards representing Australia at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and beyond.

At the ceremony today, six-time Paralympic gold medalist and T46 20 0metres world record holder Heath Francis (pictured), who lost his arm in an accident as a seven-year-old, spoke of the benefits Paralympic sport has to offer after sustaining a serious injury.

He said: "As an Australian Paralympic athlete, there is no greater thrill then competing at the Paralympic Games, and achieving success.

"The ADF Paralympic Sports Program is a great initiative of the Australian Paralympic Committee and Australian Defence Force.

"It will give members of the ADF who acquire a disability, a great boost knowing they have such fantastic support.

"This programme will provide an opportunity and pathway to participate in Paralympic sport and begin a journey that may reach the pinnacle of elite sport for athletes with a disability, the Paralympic Games."

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