Australian Institute of Sport welcomes launch of QAS Para Sport Unit

Following the launch of the South Australian Institute of Sport (SASI) Para Unit in December 2024, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has now welcomed the official launch of the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) Para Sport Unit.

The facility has been designed to help make Brisbane 2032 the country’s most successful Paralympic Games in history.

Backed by $2.125 million from the AIS, $2 million from the Queensland Government, and further investment from Paralympics Australia.

The Para Sport Units, which are being established at sport institutes and academies across the country, are part of the Australian Government’s biggest ever Paralympic spend to address better classification opportunities, access to fit-for-purpose training environments and specialised coaching and performance support.

Minister for Sport, Anika Wells noted “the lead-up to our home Games in Brisbane 2032 provides a generational opportunity to create a legacy in sport as well as reshape how all Australians look at disability in this country. 

“We are proud our record investment in our Paralympians, doubling previous funding, creates even more pathways for Queenslanders to wear the green and gold at our home Games in Brisbane in eight years’ time.”

Australian Sports Commission Executive General Manager of AIS Performance Matti Clements added “The Australian Institute of Sport, the National Institute Network, sport and Paralympics Australia are all aligned on the desire to get the results our Paralympic team deserves as we look towards LA 2028, Brisbane 2032 and beyond. 

“The work to achieve our best ever Paralympics in Brisbane needs to happen now and thanks to the Australian Government’s record investment in Para-sport, we are confident we can not only make that happen but ensure sustainable sporting success that will inspire and motivate Australians to win well for generations to come.”

The Para Sport Units form part of the national Para Uplift, an initiative born from Australia's High Performance 2032+ Sport Win Well Strategy (Win Well Strategy) to address the 160 systemic barriers to entry and progression for Para-athletes, which include access to classification and high performance pathways, a lack of experienced coaches and access to national and international competitions.

To learn more about the Win Well Strategy and Para Uplift, visit www.winwell2032.au 

Image. The Queensland Academy of Sport, Paralympics and the Australian Institute of Sport launch the QAS Para Unit, part of the national Para Uplift.Credit: ASC/AIS