Historical information

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek.
Salt Lake 2002 was also the first organizing committee to integrate the planning for both the Olympics and Paralympic Games. The Paralympic Games were held from 7th to 16th March.
Australia was represented at these Games by Peter Boonaerts, Bartholomew (Bart) Bunting, Michael Milton, Scott Adams, Cameron Rahles-Rahbula, Mark Drinnan. Michael Milton won gold in all four of his events – Downhill, Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Super-G, and Bart Bunting with guide Nathan Chivers won gold in two events – Downhill and Super-G, and silver in the giant slalom. Australia finished 8th overall in the gold and total medal count.

George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager.
He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet.
George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s.
In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek.

George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.

Significance

This medal is significant because it represents Australia's involvement in the Winter Paralympic Games in 2002

Physical description

A medal presented to volunteers at the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Paralympic Games. The front featured the Logo of these Games which included 3 Tae-Geuk, a Sino-Korean term meaning 'supreme or ultimate'. It linked the flag to the previous Winter Paralympic Games held in South Korea.
The reverse featured the three Tae-Geuks more prominently. On the rim the words “Mind Body Spirit” were inscribed representing the three values of the 2002 Paralympic Winter Games.

Inscriptions & markings

On Front: Logo surrounded by PARALYMPIC WINTER GAMES / SALT LAKE CITY 2002
On Reverse: 7 - 16 MARCH 2002/ MIND BODY SPIRIT