Celebrating The Paralympic Spirit
This Saturday 6 September marks the high-point of BHP Billiton's involvement with the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games as the world's greatest Paralympic athletes commence competition.
Our association with these Games has made us very proud, having not only provided the raw materials for the Paralympic medals, but also contributed to raising the profile of this uplifting event.
We have supported a number of individual athletes in their Paralympic quest as well as the national teams of India and Guinea who have limited funds for their sporting programs. Our support has aimed to give these athletes the best chance of reaching their potential in Beijing.
In the lead-up to the Paralympic Games, we have incorporated a series of activities into our many community events around the world to help develop a greater understanding of the Paralympic spirit, encouraging people to focus not on an athlete's disability, but their sporting prowess.
As we went about this task, we discovered the wonderful story of Frank Moffatti from our Cannington operation in North Queensland, Australia. Frank's son Ricardo will compete for Australia in swimming at the Games and is a genuine chance of bringing home a medal - a medal made from materials mined by his father.
We will also follow closely the journey of Natalie Du Toit, a proud BHP Billiton Hero who only days ago created history by becoming the first amputee to compete at an able-bodied Olympic Games. Over the coming days, Natalie will take to the pool to represent South Africa, adding another chapter to an inspirational story that has seen her overcome severe adversity to reach the top of her chosen sport.
Natalie and Ricardo are just two of the thousands of fine Paralympians that will compete in Beijing, each of whom have sacrificed years of hard work and dedication to reach this moment.
We wish all competitors well for the coming days and look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements.
Marius Kloppers
Chief Executive Officer