Speeches
Wednesday, 22 April 2026
Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge
Rod and I are delighted to welcome you to Government House to celebrate the 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge which will run alongside the Wheelchair Rugby National Championship and the juniors’ division.
We particularly welcome those teams who have travelled from interstate and overseas to participate here in Adelaide.
At a similar reception last year, I pledged that by the time of this reception that Government House’s new, accessible State Entrance would be ready for you.
And since completion, the accessible walkway and driveway have been welcomed by all guests and have dramatically improved the amenity of the space in front of the House.
I was delighted that South Australian Sharks Wheelchair Rugby athlete James Coleman could be part of the ribbon cutting ceremony in July last year.
This was an important project for Rod and me because everyone deserves to enter Government House through the main State Entrance as you did today.
Adelaide is proud to host the largest wheelchair rugby event in the world this year.
Having the return of the Challenge to Adelaide cements South Australia as the event home of wheelchair Rugby in Australia.
When I think about wheelchair rugby, several words easily spring to mind: fast, furious, intense, tough, delivered with a steely mindset.
And at times, from what I’ve witnessed, pretty brutal, but clearly underscored by skill, tactics, strategy, instinct, and tenacity.
And as a spectator myself, I can attest that the sport is riveting for those watching whether courtside or on television.
The profile that media coverage provides is so important to give the sport greater exposure and appreciation for the skill involved and the teamwork, breaking down stereotypes.
While there is undoubted rivalry between the teams on the court, receptions such as today’s bring together people from all over the world in congeniality shaped by the love of the sport.
To the athletes, congratulations on your selection for your respective teams and representing your countries and States.
We welcome back teams from Germany and Brazil as well as the Australian Steelers and our State teams.
And a warm welcome to the teams in Adelaide for the first time: Great Britain, the United States and also to the Kenyan team in your first international event.
We also welcome import players to bolster the National Championship division from Canada, Japan, and New Zealand.
Not only is the World Challenge the largest wheelchair rugby event in the Asia-Oceania, but it’s also a demonstration of the leadership in the room through those who are sharing their skills, expertise, and friendship to grow the game in Africa.
Friends
One of my priorities as Governor is to support and encourage greater diversity and women’s representation.
In that regard, I was particularly pleased to learn that the Australian Steelers have four female athletes named in the squad.
This is an historic number for an international competition and highlights the growth of female representation across all team lists for the event.
While the championship matches are front and centre, there are many behind the scenes who contribute to the success of the championships: the volunteers, sponsors, families, coaches, officials, and supporters.
As well as the overall championship, I wish those competing in the first Anzac Day match well, and the special Invictus Exhibition Match the day before.
Best of luck to everyone. Thank you all for being champions for inclusion through sport.