SA Australian Paralympic Athletes to visit Rundle Mall

Join Premier Jay Weatherill and Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood in welcoming home the South Australian members of the Australian Paralympic Team next Wednesday at 12 noon in Rundle Mall.

Celebrations will begin with a musical performance from the South Australian Police Dixie band followed by addresses by the Premier and Lord Mayor.

Crowds can then learn more about their Paralympic heroes as they are interviewed by local media identity and host for the day Brenton Ragless on the Rundle Mall/Gawler Place canopy main stage.

Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood said staging the event next week during the school holidays gives kids the chance to meet their favourite Paralympic athletes.

“Families can make a day of it – say hello to the athletes, have a bite to eat while you’re in the city and maybe go on to visit the Art Gallery or Museum,” said Stephen.

“We saw a huge crowd out for the Olympic athletes a few weeks ago, and it was raining on the day. The forecast for next Wednesday is blue skies so it should be a great day out – come along and show our Aussie Paralympians how proud we are!”

The Australia Paralympics team of 2012 is the most successful ever, bringing home a record breaking 85 medals between them.

Premier Jay Weatherill said he was looking forward to welcoming home South Australia’s Paralympics contingent.

“We saw some outstanding performances in London from South Australians, who brought home 11 medals,” Mr Weatherill said.

“We now lay claim to Australia’s most successful Paralympian in swimmer Matt Cowdrey, who has won 13 Paralympic gold medals and 23 Paralympic medals in total.

“I encourage people to join the celebration of all our athlete’s achievements in the city next week.”

At the canopy fans will have the chance to meet team members and get their favourite athletes’ autographs and maybe even a photo with them. 

The Rundle Mall welcoming will follow a Civic Ceremony at the Town Hall where the athletes will be greeted by 200 invited guests.

To set up athlete interviews prior to the event please contact Cathy Lambert on 0419 729 600.

Provisions have been made for priority access seating, a wheel-chair passenger drop-off point in Gawler Place north, and priority parking. To register contact events@adelaidecitycouncil.com .

For more information go to www.cityofadelaide.com.au