Little had a career spanning four decades as an administrator in Paralympic and disability sport and was one of the founding directors of the Australian Paralympic Federation (APF) - which later became the Australian Paralympic Committee - in 1990.

She served on the Board of the APF until 1994 and for a further year as President from 1996 to 1997 in the period after the Atlanta Games as they continued preparations in the lead-up to Sydney 2000. 

Little, born in Hamilton in Victoria, played a crucial role on the Bid Committee for Sydney 2000 and served as the vice-president of the Sydney Paralympic Organising Committee from 1994 to 1998.

In 1986 she founded the Australian Sport and Recreation Association of People with an Intellectual Disability (AUSRAPID)  and held the position of President from 1986 until her retirement in 2011.

She also served as the Australian team Chef de Mission at the 1992 Madrid Games for athletes with an intellectual impairment, held immediately after the Barcelona Paralympics.

Hartung paid tribute to Little following news of her death saying that will she be dearly missed by those who knew her, particularly the many people she touched through her tireless work with the Paralympic Movement and for athletes with an intellectual disability.

"Marie Little was a rare gem," added Hartung, who stood down APC President in December.

"She was tough and resilient - and she had a heart of pure gold.

"Marie was truly authentic - there was nothing phoney or fake about her.

"She never shirked what she saw as her duty to defend and protect those less able to do it themselves.

"She knew what needed to be done, and she did it without fear or favour.

"Over the decades that I knew Marie, she was never afraid to go out on a limb for what she believed.

"When others might have taken the easy way, Marie took the road less travelled.

"She had a fundamental commitment to fairness and was able to tell the difference between right and wrong.

"Her contribution to sport, and especially to athletes with an intellectual disability, will be one of her lasting legacies.

"My thoughts are with her family and friends."

Marie Little became the first female member of the IPC Executive Committee in 1993 ©APC



On the international stage, Little created history by being elected as the first female member of the International Paralympic Committee Executive Board, serving from 1993 to 1997.

In addition, she was one of the driving forces behind the founding of the International Sports Federation for Persons with Intellectual Disability (INAS), serving as a member of the organisation's Executive Committee, as well as President of the INAS Asia/South Pacific region.

INAS vice-President and chief executive of AUSRAPID, Robyn Smith said: "In my position with AUSRAPID during the past 20 years, I have not met anyone with her enthusiasm, commitment and determination to improve the lives of those with an intellectual disability - through involvement in quality sporting and recreational pursuits".

In 2002, Little was the first recipient of the Australian Paralympic Medal, the highest honour awarded to a non-athlete by the APC, while she received an Order of Australia Medal in 2006 as a pioneer in Australia and overseas for her work advocating and assisting the lives of people with an intellectual disability through sport.

APC chairman Glenn Tasker said: "The Australian Paralympic movement is deeply saddened by Marie's passing.

"Our deepest condolences are with Marie's family and many friends.

"Marie's contribution to sport for people with a disability is immeasurable and she leaves a legacy that will continue to make a positive impact on people's lives for many years to come."

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