Former Shoalhaven Public High School student Jasmine Greenwood is part of a 15-strong contingent of NSW public school alumni set to do Australia proud at the Paralympics starting on Wednesday in Paris.
Jasmine will represent Australia in swimming as our Paralympians look to continue the outstanding results achieved by our Olympians.
Disability Inclusion Officer, Anthony Moyes, said the NSW Department of Education's School Sport Unit had helped shape many of the early careers of our Paralympians, introducing inclusive sports and creating a pathway for representative athletes.
"We've always strived to support students with disability in accessing sport and physical activity in NSW public schools, from Kindergarten right through to Year 12," he said.
"From the deaf, to hard of hearing and transplant recipients, or those with other disabilities such as vision, physical or intellectual – we've set a high bar for inclusivity.
"At the representative level, we assist students with a sporting classification so they can compete in selection pathways such as swimming, cross country and athletics. This helps pave the way for potential Paralympic representation."
The department has been central to the development of boccia as a sport in Australia, and more than 500 public schools now participate in the NSW championship. Former students Jamieson Leeson (Dunedoo Central School) and Dan Michel (Heathcote High School) will be among the favourites for the pairs event in Paris.
NSW public schools have a rich history of unearthing talented students with a disability, dating back to the first Paralympics.
Former Harden Murrumburrah Public School student Daphne Hilton was Australia's first female Paralympian in 1960. She competed against the world's best in swimming, javelin, shot put, archery, table tennis and fencing.
Hilton won 14-medals in a storied career across three Games, setting a high marker for future sportspeople with disability.
Blayney High School's Kurt Fearnley (13 medals in athletics) and Newcastle High School's Prue Watt (8 medals in swimming) have continued that tradition.
