Ramsay Newsroom

While it may not be common knowledge, Mt Wilga Private Hospital was instrumental in  establishing our nation’s Paralympic Games Movement. It was largely driven by three staff members who were passionate about using sport as a form of medical rehabilitation.

Back in 1957, Mt Wilga was the most modern and best equipped rehabilitation centre in Australia. Sport was an integral part of life there - led by senior physiotherapist Eileen Perrottet, remedial gymnast Kevin Betts and neurosurgeon Dr John Grant.  Together they promoted sporting opportunities and competitions for patients and residents.

In 1959, Miss Perrottet organised the first Paraplegic Games in New South Wales which were held at the Mt Wilga centre. This began the hospital’s annual games and the start of something very special. 

By 1960 Australia sent a team to the inaugural Paralympic Games in Rome. From the team of 12 athletes, three had been patients at Mt Wilga and were trained by Kevin Betts and Eileen Perrottet.  The Aussie team returned with an incredible 10 medals.

Today, those three pioneers continue to be honoured at Mt Wilga Private Hospital. The John Grant ward, Kevin Betts ward and Eileen Perrottet Therapy and Wellness Centre provide daily reminders of the contribution these professionals played - not only in the rehabilitation of patients but their integral role in the Australian Paralympic Movement. 

More than 60 years on, 179 Australian athletes will take on the world’s best in Tokyo over the next 12 days.  Our largest-ever Paralympics team will inspire a nation, all made possible by three visionaries at Mt Wilga Private Hospital.

IMAGE CAPTION: Mount Wilga Sports Day 1959, Eileen Perrottet in top left hand corner of photo. Courtesy Australian Paralympic Committee