Bupa, the international healthcare group, is the Official Healthcare Partner to Paralympics Australia, ahead of the Paris 2024 Games next year. This month, they’ve announced three new Official Ambassadors, Australian Paralympians Curtis McGrath, Shae Graham, and Ben Popham.
The three para-athletes will be working with Bupa to expand their access and inclusion policies, for both customers and employees. It’s a big step forward in recognising the importance of lived experience in informing decision-making for businesses when it comes to disability and inclusivity.
Plus, the partnership will support Curtis, Shae, and Ben in their preparations for the forthcoming Games.
“Our love of sport connects Australians and helps them live longer, healthier, happier lives which is why I’m thrilled to welcome Curtis McGrath, Shae Graham, and Ben Popham to team Bupa,” said Acting CEO of Bupa, Nick Stone.
“In the lead up to Paris 2024, we’ll be closely following their journeys and showing our support as they work towards their own personal and team goals. We hope that by sharing their lived experiences, we can drive conversation and action around disability and inclusion at Bupa and more broadly in our community.”
Curtis McGrath is an Australian para-canoeist and former soldier. He is passionate about the power of sport to aid recovery and rehabilitation, taking up canoeing after losing both legs in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast while serving in the Australian Army in Afghanistan. Curtis has won gold medals in both Rio and Tokyo and is planning to defend his title in Paris.
Shae Graham is the first female athlete to represent Australia in her sport, wheelchair rugby. She only tried the sport after losing a bet to her brother, almost 10 years after being injured in a car accident. Shae sees Bupa’s partnership with Paralympics Australia as huge for the growth and recognition of para-sport and will help shine a spotlight on wheelchair rugby.
Ben Popham was born with diplegic cerebral palsy. He’s been swimming since the age of seven, and now competes in several freestyle events, including the 100m individual and the 100m relay. Following two gold and one silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to sport.
