The Olympic cauldron may be extinguished but it won't be long before we can again cheer our star athletes competing on the world stage, with the Paralympics starting in Tokyo in a fortnight.
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward urged everyone in NSW to get behind our Paralympians competing in the event, which begins on Tuesday, 24 August.
"The Olympics allowed us to ride the wave of excitement, celebrate our success and give us all a much-needed lift during these difficult times," Mrs Ward said.
"The great news is we can do it all again in two weeks when our brilliant Paralympic athletes showcase their incredible skills against their international rivals."
Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Officer Lynne Anderson encouraged fans to get behind the team.
"I am so very proud of every athlete, official and staff member of the Australian Paralympic team and in constant awe at their stoic determination and resilience which has got them through to the starting line in Tokyo," Ms Anderson said.
"I'm also excited to see our amazing competitors strive to achieve their lifelong dreams and for Australia to fall in love with their inspiring lives and athletic skills."
Australian Paralympic team co-captain and wheelchair rugby athlete Ryley Batt is headed to his fifth Games.
"It is the global stage for our Paralympic athletes to show Australia just what we can do and the obstacles we have overcome. It is a positive message about resilience," Mr Batt said.
Wheelchair Marathon and track star Madison de Rozario is competing in her fourth Games.
"We get very few opportunities to showcase our sport. I'm so excited to just get out there and race, it's been so long since we have been around our Paralympic family," Ms de Rozario said.
Paralympics Australia is giving fans an opportunity to support the team by buying a green and gold virtual seat at: https://donate.paralympic.org.au/. Each seat will support the next generation of Para-athletes through Paralympics Australia's community and sports programs.
