The Australian Paralympic Committee has announced Michael Hartung as Australia’s Chef de Mission for the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games in Vancouver. 

Chief Executive of the Australian Paralympic Committee, Jason Hellwig, welcomed the appointment, declaring Hartung “the ideal person to lead such a strong team.”    “Michael has a tremendous understanding of what is required to oversee Australia’s Winter Paralympic Team, and the structures necessary for success,” Hellwig said.    As Chef de Mission, Hartung will lead the Australian Paralympic Winter Team to Vancouver in March hoping to secure a top 10 position on the medal tally.    It’s a goal that seems within Australia’s reach after several of its athletes enjoyed outstanding World Cup campaigns over the 2008-09 season.    Hartung, the APC’s Deputy General Manager for Sports Operations and Development, admits he will be extremely proud to fill the Chef de Mission role.    “The Australian Winter Paralympic Team has such a tremendous tradition of achievement, and I’m confident the 2010 team will not only live up to that tradition, but enhance it,” Hartung said.    “We have a group of unbelievable athletes, backed by a dedicated staff, who are ready to do Australia proud, and it is a real honour to be asked to lead them.”    Hartung will also join the Australian squad on Saturday, as they depart for the New Zealand Winter Games beginning on August 24. The event will be a key indicator of the Australian team’s progress just seven months out from the Paralympics.    “The NZ Winter Games is an important lead-up event for our athletes and will provide a very stern test. I know the team is really looking forward to the challenge,” Hartung said.    The 2010 Winter Paralympic Games will be held from March 12-21, and the Australian Paralympic Committee aims to send its biggest ever Winter Team. The team will be officially announced in late November.    Australia will compete in both Alpine and Nordic events, with current Giant Slalom world champion Cameron Rahles-Rahbula and Toby Kane, a bronze medallist from the 2006 Torino Games, considered among Australia’s leading medal contenders.