Australian Government funding boost aims to uncover next generation of Paralympians

To mark nine years until the 2032 Paralympic Games begin, the Australian Government has announced a $450,000 funding boost to support Paralympic Australia’s Talent Identification and Pathway Entry program.

Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells joined current and future athletes in Brisbane to announce the funding boost and noted “we have one goal for the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games – support Australia’s biggest ever team to achieve the nation’s best ever performance.

“But the work must start now, and this funding will go a long way in discovering and developing new talent to shine at Brisbane 2032.

“Of the 179 Australian athletes selected to compete in Tokyo 2020, 63 were products of this talent identification and pathway programs, including Rowan Crothers (swimming), Paige Greco (cycling) and James Turner (athletics) who were major contributors to our nation’s medal haul.

“The journey to discover more athletic talent like these reigning Paralympic champions has begun and I would like to thank the Australian Sports Commission and Paralympics Australia for working together to support our Paralympians and Para sport.”

The Australian Sports Commission’s $450,000 investment will help support Paralympics Australia to increase the number of talented athletes entering Para-sport pathways in every state and territory and support classification outcomes.

Australian Sports Commission Chief Executive Kieren Perkins adds “It is crucial we provide our Para-athletes with the opportunity to make the most of their talents.

“We all remember our last home Paralympics in Sydney, where Australia finished on top of the table, achieving our largest ever medal haul from our biggest ever team.

“While our athletes and results since 2000 have been incredible, the rest of the world has caught up. The time is now to make sure that changes by Brisbane 2032.”

Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Catherine Clark shared “the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games provides a generational opportunity to build and deliver an equitable, inclusive and sustainable sporting system.

“We need to make sure every day of the next nine years counts. While our current Paralympians prepare to do Australia proud at Paris 2024 next year, we need to make sure we are also focusing on uncovering and supporting the athletes who will wear the green and gold and inspire us all at LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032.

“Paralympics Australia continues to do everything in our power to put in place foundations for Paralympic success through to our home games in 2032 and this work would not be possible without the support of the Australian Government and Australian Sports Commission.

“Our relationship will continue to be pivotal if we are to lead positive social change throughout Australia via greater representation and participation opportunities for people with a disability.”