The final results from the Global Games are in, with Australia resoundingly winning the medal race.
30 July 2009
INAS-FID Global Games
Liberec, Czech Republic 5–14 July 2009
Outstanding performances in swimming and tennis added 19 of the 20 gold medals to the tally, with athletics also chipping in.
Nerice Holland was the outstanding swimmer of the meet with 13 gold medals, eight individual and five relays.
"This enormous success of the Australian team speaks volumes for the national sporting organisations – Swimming Australia, Tennis Australia, Basketball Australia, Athletics Australia, Table Tennis Australia and now Cycling Australia – which have embraced inclusion of elite athletes with an intellectual disability, thanks to ongoing financial support from the Australian Sports Commission," said AUSRAPID CEO Robyn Smith.
"The Australian Paralympic team will be boosted with some strong medal prospects should a positive decision be made in November at the IPC General Assembly to re-include athletes with an intellectual disability into London Paralympics 2012."
The opening of the games on 5 July saw the Australian spirit come alive at Tipsport Arena in Liberec, Czech Republic.
Australian Athletes competing in athletics, basketball, cycling, swimming, table tennis and tennis celebrated the start of the eight day event amongst 1300 athletes from 31 countries.
Twenty-six year old swimmer Patrick Donachie OAM was appointed Captain of the Australian Team and carried the Australian flag around the arena cheered on by his Aussie team mates.
Head of Delegation for the Australia team Louise Mogg described the event as "spirited" and said she believed it was a reality check for most of the team, who were finally realising how far their sporting talent and effort had brought them.
To find out more about the Australian team's journey, visit the 2009 INAS-FID Global Games website.
