Remembering the Legacy of Australia’s first Indigenous Paralympian Kevin Coombs

The legacy of Wotjobaluk sporting pioneer Uncle Kevin Coombs is not one to be forgotten as Australia’s Paralympians journey to the streets of Paris for the 2024 Games.

Wotjobaluk man, Uncle Kevin Coombs has an indelible legacy, competing in five paralympics games but sadly on October, 2023 Uncle Kevin passed away at the age of 82. Governor-General Sam Mostyn, acknowledging NAIDOC week, paid her respects to the life of Uncle Kevin Coombs and the import role he played in elevating the paralympics games and be a leader for his community.

Uncle Kevin Coombs legacy was respectfully remember by Governor-General Sam Mostyn, who during NAIDOC week acknowledges and paid her respects to the life of Uncle Kevin Coombs.

Not only did Uncle Kevin Coombs compete at the inaugural Rome Games in 1960, the wheelchair basketballer would go to another four in green and gold, Uncle Kevin Coombs was among 12 Australians who participated at the inaugural Paralympics, competing again in 1968, ’72, ’80 and ’84.

Captain of the Australian team at his last Games, Uncle Kevin Coombs also carried the torch at the opening ceremony for the Sydney 2000 edition.

The Uncle Kevin Coombs Medal is awarded at the end of each Paralympics year to the Australian competitor who best personifies his spirit and determination.

He was awarded the medal of the Order of Australia in 1983, and last year was the first Paralympian ever to be officially honoured with the initials PLY after his name.

To date, 14 Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islanders have competed at the Paralympics under the Australian flag.

This year’s uniforms feature ‘The Journey’ design by Indigenous artist Rheanna Lotter, the governor-general noted.

“I think he’d be proud if he looked at so much of the livery that the team is wearing … to see that a Yuin woman designed the journey on the team’s uniform,” she said.