Brendan Nelson (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On indulgence, I join with the Prime Minister in cheering on our Paralympic team as it heads off to Beijing today for the commencement of the Paralympic Games on Saturday. We are sending 175 athletes, and behind every one of those men and women is a story of remarkable courage in the face of adversity, supported by the love of families, by administrators, trainers, doctors, physiotherapists and a variety of people who have made it possible for them to go to the Paralympics.

Their sacrifices as Paralympians indeed are an inspiration to the entire nation, only a week after we welcomed back the Australian Olympic team. Their speed, their strength and their skills do not materialise overnight and are the product of years and years of hard work. These men and women exemplify the best of the Australian spirit. What each individual achieves is limited only by their own dreams and the extent of their effort, discipline and sacrifice.

Australia consistently finishes in the top five sporting nations in the Paralympics. Let us hope that it is the same on this occasion. I join with the Prime Minister in wishing our Paralympic team all the very, very best in representing the finest ideals of being an Australian, the finest ideals of sport and the finest ideals of overcoming adversity in life to be your very, very best.