The Premier, Lara Giddings, today formally welcomed home 2012 Paralympians Todd Hodgetts (shot-put) and Matthew Bugg (sailing) at a reception in Launceston.

"The 2012 Paralympic Games is widely accepted as Australia's best performance at a Paralymipics, finishing fifth overall, with Tasmanian Paralympians playing a small but important role in this performance," Ms Giddings said.

"Competing at international level in their chosen sport is the dream of many athletes, and I am always pleased to see Tasmanians reaching these great heights."

Ms Giddings said Matthew, who competed in sailing, and Todd, who competed in shot put, continued Tasmania's proud record of participating in the Paralympics.

"Matthew and Todd join the likes of swimmer, Melissa Carlton, and rower, Dominic Monypenny, as Tasmanians who have represented Australia at a Paralympics."

Matthew competed strongly in all of his 10 races in the 2.4mR sailing class, his best placing being fourth, and finishing 7th overall.

After qualifying with a world record-breaking throw, Todd broke his own shot-put world record to win agold medal in the F20 classification.

"Their sportsmanship was exemplary and they are both great role models for the whole community," Ms Giddings said.

Ms Giddings said the 2012 Paralympics played an important part in creating inclusion and breaking down barriers.

"Nelson Mandela was right when he said that sport has the power to change the world. There is no better example of this than the Olympics and Paralympics."

The London Australian Paralympic team secured 32 gold medals, 23 silver medals and 30 bronze medals. Further information about Tasmanian athletes who competed in the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics is available at the Tasmanian Institute of Sport website: www.tis.tas.gov.au