Mayberry boosts Australia’s medal haul
Marty Mayberry has won a silver medal in the standing downhill event at the Vancouver Winter Paralympics.
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Joint Release
The Hon Kate Ellis MP
Minister For Sport
The Hon Bill Shorten MP
Parliamentary Secretary For Disabilities
And Children’s Services
19 March 2010The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis today congratulated Marty Mayberry on his silver medal in the standing downhill at the Vancouver Winter Paralympics today.
The 24-year-old university student from Camperdown in Sydney claimed Australia’s first silver when he drew with Switzerland's Michael Brugger to share the medal.
“Marty has worked hard over many years to reach this pinnacle today. It’s a great achievement and will be the source of lifelong pride for him, his family and his country.
“Marty has not just scored a medal for himself, but has taken Australia’s medal tally at this event past the haul at the last Winter Paralympics in Torino,” Ms Ellis said.
Marty is a double leg amputee and has had an ideal lead up to the Vancouver Games, with gold and silver medals at the World Cup this month in Colorado.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services Bill Shorten said Marty has an inspirational story for people with a disability and all Australians.
“At 16 Marty contracted meningococcal and that lead to him needing both his lower legs amputated.
“Marty has shown incredible courage and determination to overcome challenges and reach his dreams. He shows that people with disability should be judged by what they can achieve, not by their impairment,” Mr Shorten said.
Eleven Australian athletes and three guides are competing at the Vancouver Winter Paralympics. The nine male and two female athletes are competing across 14 events.
This is the biggest team Australia has ever sent to a Winter Paralympic Games and it’s a sign of the strength and talent of Australia’s paralympic athletes.
The Australian Government has supported the Australian Paralympic Committee with $1.8 million for the winter games program since 2006/07.
This year’s Vancouver Games team also includes eight Australian Institute of Sport scholarship holders – including Marty Mayberry.
“Today is a chance to thank those AIS coaches and support staff who have worked so hard to help Marty achieve his goal,” Ms Ellis said.
For more information, please contact the Minister's office on (02) 6277 7350
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