Disability Sport Centre of Excellence to be built within Blacktown International Sportspark

Blacktown City Council, in partnership with Disability Sports Australia, have secured funding from the NSW Government to develop a new Disability Sport Centre of Excellence, with the $15 million project to be built within Blacktown International Sportspark.

The Centre will deliver a new multipurpose indoor training facility for athletes with disability, along with bespoke amenities designed to allow athletes to train more often around work, family and educational commitments.

The Centre will also complement Council’s $100 million Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology hub, known as BEST, which will open in the Sportspark in early 2023.

Users of the Centre will benefit from the facilities and services provided at BEST, including access to medical services, recovery facilities and research collaborations.

The project will be supported by Paralympic sports, to help foster pathways for sporting talent.

Chief Executive of Disability Sports Australia Murray Elbourn said the project will be a vital support for new and established disability sport programs across Western Sydney, NSW and Australia.

Elbourn advised “the holistic structure of BEST brings great collaboration from health and research education partners to optimise benefits for athletes for specific adaption sports.”

Mayor of Blacktown City Tony Bleasdale said Council was proud to partner with Disability Sports Australia to deliver the unique asset for sportspeople of all abilities and noted “Blacktown City is a proud sporting City and we have a strong history of success and participation in disability sports at all levels

“This partnership with Disability Sports Australia marks an exciting new era for sport and health in Western Sydney, and will provide a boost for generations of athletes to come.

“I hope the centre, its world-class facilities and staff can inspire future athletes to fulfil their potential, and possibly even represent Australia at the 2032 Paralympic Games in Brisbane.”

NSW Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the NSW Government is investing in community sporting infrastructure through the Centres of Excellence program, which aims to improve talent pathways and community engagement for all sporting codes.

“Our best athletes need the best training facilities, and this centre will not only set a benchmark for the community, but will be an important hub for the development of the next generation of sporting stars across Paralympic and professional sports,” Minister Henskens said.

Chief Executive of Disability Sports Australia Murray Elbourn said the project will be a vital support

Construction of the new Disability Sport Centre of Excellence will commence this year and is scheduled for completion in late 2024.

Image: An artist’s impression of multipurpose sporting courts at the Disability Sport Centre of Excellence