Senator the Hon. George Brandis S.C.

Minister for the Arts and Sport

Federal Minister for Sport Senator George Brandis today welcomed home Australia’s most successful ever Special Olympics team.

Representing Prime Minister the Hon John Howard MP, Senator Brandis was on hand at Sydney Airport to greet the team home from the 2007 World Summer Games in Shanghai.

“On behalf of Prime Minister Howard and the Australian Government, I congratulate our Special Olympics team for their outstanding efforts,” Senator Brandis said.

“ Australia’s 130 athletes have come home with a record 127 medals, including 49 gold – our most successful World Summer Games to date,” he said.

“I’d especially like to congratulate the men’s and women’s basketball teams who both won gold, the entire gymnastics squad who won a total of 51 medals, and the softball team who came from 10-1 down to clinch the gold medal 15-14.

“I’d also like to thank the volunteers, coaches, and officials whose efforts and dedication made these outstanding results possible.

“The Australian Government is very proud to have helped our Special Olympians get to Shanghai by providing $130,000 towards their travel expenses.

“This extra contribution is on top of base funding of $125,000 in 2007/08 – underlining the Howard-Costello Government’s commitment to supporting athletes with an intellectual disability.

“I wish the entire team success for the future as you begin preparations for the 2011 World Summer Games in Athens,” Senator Brandis said.

Media contact: Travis Bell 0448 950 248

14 October 2007
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