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Chief Minister Paul Henderson today congratulated Territorian hockey player Des Abbott, who has been selected in the Australian team to go the Olympics and wheelchair basketballer Melanie Hall who will also be going to Beijing.

 

Mr Henderson said it was a great achievement from both athletes.

 

“I wish Des Abbott and the Kookaburras all the best in Beijing, where the Australians will be the defending Olympic champions," Mr Henderson said.

 

“It’s fantastic news for Des and his family, who can be very proud, along with the Territory sporting community and all Territorians."

 

Sports Minister Matthew Bonson added his congratulations – saying Des was a credit to the Territory’s sporting community.

 

“Des thrilled the crowds during the recent Four Nations Tournament in Darwin and we hope he continues his goal scoring in Beijing,” Mr Bonson said.

 

"The Territory has a great tradition in Olympic hockey and Des is living but to this heritage."

 

The twenty-two year old Darwin born striker has been a Northern Territory Institute of Sport (NTIS) scholarship holder since 2001. He has played 21 internationals for 9 goals.

 

Mr Henderson also congratulated Melanie Hall on her selection in the Australian Paralympic wheelchair basketball team.

 

“Melanie has our very best wishes as she prepares for Beijing in September and we wish her the best of luck in her competition,” he said. 

 

“Territorians will be following Melanie’s fortunes, along with those of her team the Australian Gliders.”

 

Melanie has been an NTIS elite scholarship holder since 2005.

 

Contact: Rebecca Cass 0401 110 389

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