Australian Olympics chief accused of demeaning disabled people
There are new damaging claims against John Coates as he fights to retain his job, with the Australian Olympics chief being accused by Paralympic officials and athletes of demeaning people with disabilities.
On Thursday afternoon, he apologised.
Fighting for survival, Mr. Coates has angered Australia's Paralympic Committee.
It follows comments by him, in an email obtained by 7 News on Wednesday.
It refers to a junior staff member who was undergoing treatment for leukaemia and her concerns over the culture at head office.
"It's probably time for her to get out in the real world," Coates said. "Ours is not a sheltered workshop."
Paralympic gold medallist, Dylan Alcott, said: "Comments like that do hurt and it hurts everything I stand for and the four and a half million Australians with a disability stand for, we want to be treated like normal people."
Olympic gold medalist Danielle Roche, who is challenging Mr Coates for the AOC presidency next week, says it is time for change.
"Bullying and intimidation have no place in any work place let alone one that is responsible for promoting and upholding the spirit of the Olympic movement,” said Ms. Roche.
However, Mr. Coates remains confident of retaining the presidency, and supporters insist he's the only option.
"He’s really the earth blood of the Olympic movement and every decision he makes is for the athletes,” said Olympic gold medalist Natalie Cook.
John Coates’ fate will be decided on May 6, but the allegations of bullying and a toxic culture at the AOC have been widespread and damaging. He faces the biggest challenge to his presidency for more than two decades.
