Australia Post has encouraged children in the country to write a letter of support to the Australian Paralympic team ©Australia Post

Children in Australia have been encouraged to send messages of support to the athletes who will represent their country at the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro by Australia Post.

The corporation, a major partner and official postal and logistics supplier to the Australian Paralympic team, have called on youngsters across the nation to write a letter as the contingent continue their preparation ahead of September’s Games.

Those who send letters with an AUD$1 postage stamp by October 2016 with names and addresses clearly marked will be given a postcard reply by one of the team.

“We are looking forward to receiving and reading messages from kids right across Australia for what will be our biggest and hopefully our most successful Paralympic Games yet,” double Paralympic Games medallist and co-captain of the Australian team at Rio 2016 Daniela Di Toro said.

Australia Post also run a letter link programme, which provides parents, teachers and students with fun, interactive and educational activities to mark the Paralympics.

Christine Corbett, the organisation’s chief customer officer, believes the scheme provides a perfect opportunity for children to practice their letter writing skills.

Daniela Di Toro says she is looking forward to receiving the messages of support from children in Australia ©APC
Daniela Di Toro says she is looking forward to receiving the messages of support from children in Australia ©APC

“We are excited to back our Paralympians in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games,” Corbett said.

“You can support the team too by writing and sending in your messages, letters and drawings ahead of the games.

“Writing a letter to the Australian Paralympic team is fun and easy.

“If you get stuck or need help writing your letter, Australia Post has some useful tips on our education website, as well as decorative letter writing templates you can print from home.

“We also encourage teachers to take advantage of Letter Link with a range of free educational resources available on the site, including Paralympic Games fact sheets, letter writing tips, lessons plans and student activity sheets.”

The Australian Paralympic Committee expects to send around 170 athletes to Rio 2016, competing in 15 sports.

This includes boccia, where Daniel Michel is set to become the first Australian to represent his country in the sport for 16 years.

Australia claimed a haul of 32 gold medals, 23 silver and 30 bronze at the London 2012 Paralympics.

The Games are due to open on September 7.