Austria’s Paralympic team returned from Turin with a total of 14 medals, including three golds.

Mayor Heinz Schaden who is also head of the advisory board of Salzburg 2014 said:  "I got to know many of our athletes competing in Torino and closely followed their  progress during the Paralympic Games. It’s particularly pleasing for me to welcome them back as heroes – whether as a medalist or not – as guests here in the City of Salzburg. This is our way of saying thank you to them for the excitement and inspiration they have given us."

Governor of Salzburg, Gabi Burgstaller added:  « Our Paralympic medal tally is a huge success, particularly as there are fewer medal categories than in previous Games.  This is an extraordinary achievement and our thanks and our acknowledgement of their great achievements go to the Austrian Paralympic Committee and all its athletes. We are proud of them and it is thrilling to be able to honour our medal winners in this way. »

The President of the Austrian Paralympic Committee, Peter Wittmann,  said: "The Torino Games were not only very successful for us in the sporting arena, but the atmosphere during these Games was unique.  To conclude our 2006 Paralympic experience here in Salzburg is particuarly pleasing as we hope that the Paralympic Family may be guests here in this wonderful city in 2014."

ends

For further information please contact:

Heinz Schaden, Mayor of Salzburg
phone: +43 662 8072 2554

Sabine Blattner, Salzburg 2014 Bid Committee
phone: +43 662 42 2014 10
Sigi Kämmerer, Salzburg 2014 Bid Committee
phone: +43-676 8682 2800