Source: IPC
Bonn, Germany - The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is pleased to announce the winners of the Paralympic Awards 2009, proudly partnered by IPC's Gold Patron Allianz, honouring those who contribute directly to the Paralympic Games and the Paralympic Movement.

The winners were selected by three Awards Committees, composed of members of the Paralympic Movement and specialists in the relevant areas. All award recipients will be presented with a handmade trophy, designed and crafted by Italian design company G.D.E. Bertoni, at a Gala Dinner during the 2009 IPC General Assembly, to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 22 November.

The Paralympic Sport Awards 2009 were awarded in five categories, based on performance at the Beijing 2009 Paralympic Games:

Best Male Athlete: Matthew Cowdery (AUS), Swimming
Best Female Athlete: Chantal Petitclerc (CAN), Athletics
Best Team Performance: Australian Men's Wheelchair Basketball Team
Best Games Debut: Sophie Pascoe (NZL), Swimming
Exemplary Games Official: WANG Xinxian (CHN), Chef de Mission

The Paralympic Media Awards 2009 honour members of the media who presented the highest quality and most dynamic coverage of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, in four categories:

Broadcast: ABC TV (AUS)
Written (Print/Online): The Sunday Telegraph (GBR)    
Radio: BBC Radio (GBR) 
Photo: Damir Sencar (CRO)

The Paralympic Scientific Award 2009 recognized one outstanding contributor (academic or scientific) for research in the field of sport for persons with a disability.

Paralympic Scientific Award 2009: Gudrun Doll-Tepper (GER)

For more information about the Paralympic Awards and a brief profile of each Award winner, please visit the IPC website at www.paralympic.org.