I am pleased to announce that His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, has accepted my request to lead Australia’s representation at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
His Excellency will visit from 6 September – 8 September 2016. This will facilitate the Governor-General’s attendance at the opening ceremony and associated events at the Paralympic Games as Patron of the Australian Paralympic Committee.
There will be 178 Australians in the athletes’ village, competing in 16 sports.
The Paralympics has a special place in the hearts and minds of all Australians and around the world.
On behalf of Australians, I send our Paralympians our best wishes, commend their efforts and salute their achievements.