Donations welcomed for legend of Para Snowsports
Published Fri 08 Dec 2023
Snow Australia is encouraging the snowsports community to support a true pioneer - Ron Finneran OAM.
Ron was Australia’s only representative at the first Paralympic Winter Games in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden in 1976 and went on to be Chef de Mission at five consecutive Games.
He was a member of the working group that established Paralympics Australia in 1990, became its President in 1993 and was Chairman of the Bid Committee for the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
As a co-founder of Disabled Wintersport Australia and its Executive Director for 31 years, Finneran transformed the opportunities available for Para Alpine skiers in Australia.
He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Australian Paralympic Hall of Fame in 2016. He received the Snow Australia Medal in 2020.
In recent years, Post-Polio Syndrome has ravaged Ron’s body and his family have been forced to navigate rapid physical deterioration, mental health, mobility/transport aids and personal carers.
Unfortunately Ron does not qualify for the NDIS - he was over the cut-off age of 65 when the program was introduced.
Ron is in need of a new individualised powered wheelchair priced at $30,000. This amount does not include a vehicle that will then be able to transport him around his community.
As someone who has given so much to so many, we are asking members of the snowsports community to consider making a donation to assist Ron and his family.
Any amount you can contribute would be greatly appreciated.
