Rio gold-medallist Katie Kelly visits Stuart Park Primary

Dual Paralympian and gold-medallist Katie Kelly OAM has provided insight into the world of all abilities sport to a lucky group of young Territorians.

Katie Kelly (left) won gold at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, pictured here with guide Michelle Jones. Kelly said the medals all were inscribed with braille and had distinct rattles signifying the medal’s colour.

Back in the Top End and sharing her knowledge with the new generation of athletes, Katie Kelly OAM and dog Guthrie visited the students at Stuart Park Primary School.

The 2016 Rio Games gold-medallist and dual Paralympian thanked the students for supporting her foundation via their school fundraising charities and educated them on inclusion and disability in sports.

“We set up the foundation to help those kids and athletes that have a disability play sport through grants,” Kelly said.

“So thank you very much for your support, I really appreciate your help.”

Kelly who has Usher Syndrome – an extremely rare genetic disorder that affects hearing and vision – has been a huge advocate for inclusion in the sporting sphere for many years, having founded the Sports Access Foundation.

2x Paralympian and gold-medallist Katie Kelly OAM spoke to students from Stuart Park Primary with her guide dog Guthrie. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin.

Through her knowledge of being on the numerous boards such as the Australian Sporting Alliance for People with Disability AUS Deaf Games Co-Patron and AUS Deaf Games Co-Patron, to name a few, there is no one more qualified to educate those on how to engage and interact with athletes who have a disability.

“I think one thing to always keep in mind is that all of us have different challenges in our lives and we need extra support,” Kelly said.

“We need to make sure that those who need it are provided the support required so they are included and so they can play sport and participate.

“We set up the foundation to help those kids and athletes that have a disability play sport through grants.

“We use the funding to get modified equipment so that everyone can play with their teammates and that’s something that I’m very passionate about.

“It’s important that clubs and teams do what they can to support and ensure everyone can play.”

The former South Darwin Rugby Club president and founder of Darwin Park Run also spoke about her gold medal achievement and what it felt like to win on the world’s biggest stage.

“I’ll never forget that day,” Kelly said.

“I was there with all my friends and family representing Australia at the highest level.

“It was an incredible honour and I was surrounded by the best triathletes from all around the world, from the UK and Spain to Ireland, it was just such a special moment that I’ll remember forever.”