[2] During the planning of the Games, a heated debate raged around whether the South African team should be allowed to participate.

While the International Stoke Mandeville Games Federation's Executive Committee showed support for the inclusion of the South African team, numerous sport organisations in the Netherlands and the Dutch Parliament believed they should not be allowed to compete.

If the South African team were permitted to compete, the Dutch Parliament, who ultimately had the final say, could prohibit the Games from taking place in Arnhem at all.

Pointer's dedication and determination saw him raise funds for himself along with other donations going into the paraplegic sports club in Melbourne.

A great surplus of funds was raised for the IFSD during the games through ‘Telebingo.’ [2] Overall, Australia participated in three out of the four classes, and won medals in six out of the 10 different sports they competed in.

These athletes however, had the advantaged of the Australian Blind Sports Federation, a national body that was formed the same year (1980).

This organisation serves to provide support for competitive athletes through encouragement, raising funds, assisting in preparation and helping them get there.

Australia won a silver medal through Ian Trewhella's performance in the Men's short metric round tetraplegic.

[1] Australia represented by: Men – Rene Ahrens, Chris Alp, Paul Bird, Kevin Bishop, Donald Dann, Joe Egan, Robert Faulkner, Peter Hill, Erich Hubel, Barry Kalms, Wayne Lanham, Peter Marsh, John Martin, Michael McFawn, Robert McIntyre, Jeff McNeil, Brian McNicholl, David McPherson, Kevin Munro, Michael Nugent, Richard Oliver, Wayne Patchett, Fred Pointer, Eric Russell, Bruce Sandilands, John Sheil, Murray Todd, Ian Trewhella, Robert Turner Women – Charmaine Cree, Sue Hobbs, Julie Langhorne, Pam Nugent, Julie Russell, Janine Wilson There is no record of Australia competing in Dartchery, which subsequently was removed from the Games after the completion of the 1980 Games.

At the 1980 Games, the only Goalball event offered was for male teams, and while Australia did compete, they were disqualified for an unknown reason.

Gloria Pascoe was the only Australian woman to compete and came away winning Australia's only gold medal in the Women's Singles B as she was the sole competitor.

Gary Gudegeon won Australia's only gold medal in the Men's 400 m Freestyle C-D.[1] Australia represented by: Men - Rene Andres, Paul Bird, Peter Carroll, Gary Gudgeon, Peter Hill, Dennis Kennedy, David (Dave) Manera, David McPherson, Charlie Tapscott Women – Carolyn Connors, Maureen Pybus This year the field of Table Tennis offered 32 competitive events, 22 for men and 10 for women.

Australia represented by: Men – Barry Kalms, Brian McNicholl, John Sheil Unfortunately the basketball team was not overly successful, finishing in the middle of the pack.