IPC Governing Board Member Robyn Smith receives Medal of the Order of Australia

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board Member Robyn Smith has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to people with disabilities through Para sports. 

Smith shared her excitement when she received the news. “You find out a fair bit before Australia Day and it has been hard to keep it a secret,” Smith told Shepparton News. 

“I’ve been working in the sport admin area for people with a disability for a very long time, so it’s a nice honour. 

“My mentor Marie Little OAM, she founded Sport Inclusion Australia and I basically became its first CEO in 1991. 

“Then in 2011 I was invited onto the national body called Virtus (World Intellectual Impairment Sport), where I was elected as Vice President in 2013. 

“Virtus is a founding member of the IPC which looks after elite pathways for athletes with an intellectual impairment. And recently I’ve been elected to the IPC Governing Board. 

“Then with the IPC Governing Board election I get a seat on the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee for the Olympics and Paralympics.”