A quintet of Australian Paralympic athletes have officially launched telecommunications company Optus’ #High5 a Paralympian fundraising campaign ©APC

A quintet of Australian Paralympic athletes have officially launched telecommunications company Optus’ #High5 a fundraising campaign today at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Swimmers Ahmed Kelly and Ellie Cole were joined at the launch by wheelchair racer Richard Colman, equestrian rider Emma Booth and wheelchair basketball player Shawn Russell. 

The Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) says it requires significant financial support to send the team to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, with an average cost of AUD$40,000 (£23,000/$30,000/€27,000) per athlete to cover things such as flights, medical support, equipment and accommodation. 

As the official support network of the Australian Paralympic team, Optus is leading a nationwide fundraising initiative by asking Australians to make an AUD$5 donation (£3/$3.80/€3.40) to send 170 Paralympic athletes from 15 sports to Rio 2016.

APC chief executive Lynne Anderson is delighted to have Optus’ support and is encouraging others to help Australian athletes realise their Paralympic dream.

"Every Australian Paralympic athlete heading to Rio has worked relentlessly to rise to the top and represent Australia at the pinnacle event of their sport - the Paralympic Games," she said. 

"As a registered charity, the Australian Paralympic Committee relies on the generous support of Australians to send our athletes to the Games, which is why we’re urging Australians to get behind our athletes with a small donation that will make a real difference."

Russell, who like Booth will be appearing in his first Games in September, added: "It’s been a pretty overwhelming road to Rio, but I’m excited to finally be able to compete in the Paralympics. 

"We’re so grateful for the generous backing of Australians whose support allows us to compete at the Games."

Swimmer Ahmed Kelly was one of several Paralympic athletes in attendance at the launch ©Getty Images
Swimmer Ahmed Kelly was one of several Paralympic athletes in attendance at the launch ©Getty Images

To make an AUS$5 donation, text #high5 to 1999 8787.

Donations will be collected via the Telco Together Foundation’s SMS fundraising programme, which is supported by Australia’s leading telecommunications companies including Optus, Telstra and Vodafone.

Kelly will be appearing at his second Games having competed at London 2012, while it will be Cole’s third and Colman’s fourth.

Cole won four gold medals at London 2012, where Colman regained the 800 metres T53 crown he won at Athens 2004.