MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Patterson
Australia's Special Representative for Demining, Senator Kay Patterson, today
welcomed the Cambodian Paralympics team to Australia to participate in the
Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games.
Ten out of the eleven Cambodian Paralympic volleyball team members have lost
limbs to landmines laid in Cambodia from decades of civil war.
Through the Australian Government's overseas aid program, Australia funds
demining, victim support and mine awareness in Cambodia. So far, Australian aid
has helped cut by two thirds the number of people killed or maimed by landmines
in Cambodia.
'The Howard Government has been proud to provide financial support to the
Cambodian team for their Paralympic quest, and I commend the commitment of the
team and their Australian team manager, Chris Minko,' Senator Patterson
said.
The wider Australian community can contribute to de-mining in Cambodia by
supporting the Government's successful Destroy-A-Minefield program.
The Destroy-a-Minefield campaign is an Australian Government
initiative whereby the Government works together with the community to clear
minefields in Cambodia.
'The Cambodian Paralympic team is a great example of hope and persistence
over adversity - I wish them well for the Games.'
Media contacts:
Louise Ahern (Senator Patterson's office)
02 6277 3800 / 0409 034 403
Jacinta Cubis (AusAID) 02 6206 4967 / 0417 680 590