Uncle Kevin Coombs, member of the first Australian Paralympic team and first Aboriginal Paralympian

Coombs is a five times Paralympian representing Australia as part of the national men’s wheelchair basketball team at the Paralympic games in Rome (1960), Tel Aviv (1968), Heidelberg (1972), Arnhem (1980) and Ney York (1984).

Kevin Richard Coombs, the first Australian Aboriginal Paralympic competitor for Australia. Source: Supplied

Despite being confined to the wheelchair since the 1950’s, Uncle Kevin Coombs has led a life that has been an inspiration for so many people, Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal people.

Uncle Kevin Coombs represented Australia 7 years before he became an Australian citizen travelling to the first Paralympics on an honorary British passport.

He has won many accolades for his contribution to sport and the community. In 2000, Coombs was selected as a torch bearer for the Paralympic torch relay, carrying the torch inside the stadium. That year, he received an Australian Sports Medal.

Uncle Kevin Coombs-with the Paralympic Torch Source: Kevin Coombs