The teaming up of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) could soon see wounded and injured military members winning gold for Australia, following enhancements to Defence rehabilitation services.

The new ADF Paralympic Sports Programme (ADFPSP) was launched by the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston.

"This partnership will deliver many benefits for our people who have been wounded or injured, including vital assistance for their rehabilitation," Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

While sport has been employed as a rehabilitation tool since World War II, the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Defence's Joint Health Command and the Australian Paralympic Committee will provide more opportunities for wounded and injured Australian personnel.

The MOU will allow Defence to draw on the expertise and knowledge of the APC Sports Science, Sports Medicine and High Performance staff.

ADF members will now have their rehabilitation enhanced in a number of groundbreaking ways, including:

1. specialised physical fitness training and rehabilitation;

2. sporting pathways - rehabilitation services from hospital discharge allowing ADF members to regain their physical fitness and mobility, right through to selection in the Australian Paralympic Team;

3. specialist advice in equipment and prosthetics;

4. specialist training for Defence Physical Training Instructors and Physiotherapists; and access to Australian Paralympic Committee programmes, including talent identification programmes.

Air Chief Marshal Houston was joined at the launch by the Commander of Joint Health Command, Major General Paul Alexander, the President of the Australian Paralympic Committee, Greg Hartung, and Paralympic Gold Medallist and World Record Holder, Heath Francis.

Mr Francis recounted the thrill of his sporting achievements and the benefits of sport after severe injury.

The use of sport in rehabilitation has proven psychological benefits such as improved self image, self esteem, leadership, camaraderie and quality of life. (The End)