Bupa is excited to welcome three Australian Paralympians as Official Ambassadors.
The multi-year relationship with Para-Athletes Curtis McGrath, Shae Graham, and Ben Popham, will see the Paralympians work with Bupa to put in place practical ways to expand Bupa's access and inclusion policies for its people and customers.
Bupa Asia Pacific Acting CEO Nick Stone said Bupa's support of Curtis, Shae and Ben will enable them to focus on their goals and ambitions as they prepared for the Paris 2024 Games and re-affirms Bupa's support of para-sport and Para-athletes after becoming Official Healthcare Partner to Paralympics Australia in December last year.
"As part of our partnership with Paralympics Australia, and our new Bupa ambassadors, we're looking forward to working with them to shine a light and improve accessibility and equity for people living with a disability within healthcare, business, sport and the broader community.
"Our love of sport connects Australians and helps them live longer, healthier, happier lives which is why I'm thrilled to welcome Curtis McGrath, Shae Graham, and Ben Popham to team Bupa," Mr Stone said.
"In the lead up to Paris 2024, we'll be closely following their journeys and showing our support as they work towards their own personal and team goals. We hope that by sharing their lived experiences, we can drive conversation and action around disability and inclusion at Bupa and more broadly in our community."
Meet the new Bupa Ambassadors
Curtis McGrath – Para-canoe
Based in Burleigh Waters, Curtis is an Australian para-canoeist and former soldier. He is passionate about the power of sport to aid recovery and rehabilitation, taking up canoeing after losing both legs in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast while serving in the Australian Army in Afghanistan. Curtis has won gold medals in both Rio and Tokyo and is planning to defend his title in Paris.
"Sport can play a massive role in how we feel, both mentally and physically. It can motivate us to live a healthier and happier life."
"We work so hard to become Paralympians, and this year there are more competitions than any other. So, it feels amazing to have Bupa's support to help me focus on my goals and ambitions at the Games."
Shae Graham – Wheelchair rugby
Shae is the first female athlete to represent Australia in her sport, wheelchair rugby. She only tried the sport after losing a bet to her brother, almost 10 years after being injured in a car accident. Shae sees Bupa's partnership with Paralympics Australia as huge for the growth and recognition of para-sport and will help shine a spotlight on wheelchair rugby. She has her sights set on Paris 2024, which would be her second Paralympics.
"It takes courage and commitment to be a Paralympian, or any sort of athlete. You need the courage to chase after your dreams and the commitment to keep chasing and working at it until you achieve those goals. And once you get what you want, you need to review, rest and start chasing down your next goals."
"I'm excited to work with an organisation that purely exists to help people live a healthier and happier life. Bupa's support will allow me to focus on my training and put my blinkers on to reach my goal of making the Paris 2024 team."
Ben Popham – Para-Swimming
When presented with the choice of para-equestrian or para-swimming, Ben jumped in the pool and never looked back. Born with diplegic cerebral palsy and swimming since the age of seven, Ben now competes in several freestyle events, including the 100m individual and the 100m relay. Following two gold and one silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to sport.
"Life as an elite athlete is so demanding and all-consuming. Being supported by Bupa means I can make the right choices and commit what's needed to qualify for Paris 2024 and give it my all.
"Being a Bupa ambassador means more people can hear my story and hopefully find something to inspire and help them."
