In 2015 when when I approached Katie Page for financial support towards the Rio 2016 Paralympics, she simply said yes Harvey Norman will support you.
I had no mainstream profile, or commercial value. Because of that support in time, I could give back and this would lead to establishing Sport Access Foundation.
Katie has always had this vision - closing the gap on inequity in sport.
She has been supporting women in sport long before many. Likewise she’s been supporting Paralympians and today Harvey Norman has extended this support to the Australian Olympic Team.
A fantastic day at Nine today and congratulations to all for making this happen.
Paralympic Australia Media Release:
Current and aspiring Paralympians are set to benefit from a strengthened partnership between Paralympics Australia and retail leader Harvey Norman announced today.
The three-year agreement extends a link that pre-dates the Rio 2016 Paralympics and was expanded further in 2019.
It re-affirms Harvey Norman as the Official ‘Home Retailer’ Partner of Paralympics Australia and the Australian Paralympic Team.
The renewal announcement is another boost leading into next year’s Paris Games, where the Australian Paralympic Team will aim to consolidate its position as one of the world’s leading Paralympic nations.
Paralympic triathlon champion Katie Kelly said Harvey Norman’s extended sponsorship would produce benefits through to the Brisbane Games in 2032.
“Harvey Norman has always backed Australian sports, but importantly they have led the way in supporting women in sport and the Paralympics,” said Kelly, who won a gold medal at Rio 2016.
“This genuine commitment to equity in sponsorship has helped to continually grow the profile of the Australian Paralympic Team. Today’s announcement will also inspire our next generation of young Para-athletes to reach their own goals as we head towards 2032.”
Kelly expressed gratitude for the support that helped her achieve her ambitions.
“Harvey Norman’s investment in Paralympic sport and female athletes meant that in my own Paralympic career I was able to reach the incredible heights of winning Australia’s first gold medal in Para-triathlon.
“This success started the chain of infinite giving. Because of Gerry’s and Katie’s support of me, I was able to establish Sport Access Foundation, a charity to help our next generation of Australians with a disability access sport. That is what today’s announcement will do. The circle of infinite giving continues.”
Another Paralympic champion, wheelchair racer Madison de Rozario, said:
“Harvey Norman has been a huge support over the last three years and it’s exciting to be able to continue that over the next two and hopefully more.
“As athletes we’ll do everything, we need to do on the sporting field but we’re only able to have the impact we have with the support of partners like Harvey Norman amplifying our voices and our stories. “We’re grateful for the support and looking forward to seeing where the next two years takes us.”
The partnership was unveiled in an event in Sydney today, featuring Paralympians Madison de Rozario (Para-athletics), Katie Kelly (Para-triathlon) Chris Bond (wheelchair rugby) and emerging Para-athletes Montana Atkinson (Para-swimming) and Hudson Wan (Para-swimming).
To view the original story on Paralympics Australia website, please click below.
