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Chief Minister Paul Henderson today presented wheelchair basketballer Melanie Hall with a Territory Flag as she prepares to leave Darwin for the Beijing Paralympics.

 

“This is Melanie’s first Paralympics and like other Territorians, I’ll be following her progress in Beijing with interest,” Mr Henderson said.

 

“It’s a great achievement to represent your country, and I know Territorians wish Melanie all the best.”

 

Melanie has been playing wheelchair basketball since 1996 and has held a NTIS elite scholarship since 2005.

 

She heads to Townsville on Monday for a five day training camp with the Australian Gliders women’s wheelchair basketball team before flying on to China for the Games.

 

“The Gliders have won silver medals at the past two Paralympics and will begin their 2008 campaign on 7 September - the day after the Opening ceremony,” said Mr Henderson.  

 

“I am sure they can continue their strong results in Beijing.”

 

Melanie has spent the past six weeks playing in Wollongong with the ‘Rollerhawk’ basketball team and, along with extensive training at the NTIS, feels prepared for Beijing.

 

“Our team is currently ranked fourth in the world, and we have the potential to win a medal,” she said.

 

The Northern Territory Government is supporting Melanie’s Paralympics campaign with a $12 500 special assistance grant.

 

A matching grant was also provided to Territory Olympian, hockey player Des Abbott.

 

“I would like to congratulate Des Abbott on his outstanding performance in Beijing after yet another goal in last night’s game against Spain, and wish him all the best for the bronze medal play-off in tomorrow’s game against the Netherlands,” said Mr Henderson.

 

 

 

 

 

Contact: Rebecca Cass 0401 110 389

Related files:
henderson.2208.melanie hall.pdf ( 77.4 kb )