Two Southern Highlands champions have transformed into legends after having their names added to a prestigious monument last Wednesday (May 18).
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After overcoming countless challenges, Sam Tait and Melissa Perrine both represented Australia at the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics.
That achievement has now been permanently acknowledged as both stars had their names added to the first Paralympic plaque on Wollongong's Olympians and Paralympians Wall.
"I am very humbled and honoured to have my name engraved on a tile at the Olympian and Paralympian Tribute Wall in Wollongong," Tait wrote on Instagram.
"This wall recognises elite athletes that have represented Australia and a Winter or Summer Paralympic or Olympic Games.
"Today was such a genuine and great day! Thank you to everyone who was involved, you all made it a very special day."
Four-time Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games gold medalist and Wollongong local Emma McKeon told the Illawarra Mercury it was an honour to featured alongside the nine Paralympians named on the wall.
"They deserve the recognition," she said.
"It's very special knowing we're all from Wollongong and we've all achieved great things. To be on the wall together is a special thing."
It wasn't the only time that week McKeon was sharing the stage with Highlands sporting royalty with well-known bowls and football administrator Gordon Lewis attending the Illawarra Academy of Sport alumni dinner on Thursday.
Lewis, who served on the Academy's board for 23 years, was on deck to celebrate the institution's work in seeing over 7000 athletes, coaches and officials come through their programs since opening in 1985.
Lewis reported back to the Southern Highland News that McKeon is enjoying a break from swimming as she gears up for the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and passed on her well-wishes and thanks to Highlanders for their support of her over the years.
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