Federal Government commits new funding to Australia’s 2026 Winter Paralympic Campaign

Paralympics Australia has welcomed a $2.068 million funding injection from the Federal Government to support the 2026 Australian Paralympic Winter Team.

Announced by Minister for Sport Anika Wells during a recent visit to the NSW Snowy Mountains, the investment continues the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering Australia’s Paralympic athletes to succeed at the Milano Cortina Games in March.

Announcing the funding, Minister Wells stated “Milano Cortina 2026 is a critical opportunity to build on Australia’s proud Paralympic legacy and inspire a new generation of Winter Paralympians.

“This funding ensures our athletes have the support they need to prepare, perform and shine on the global stage and strive for gold in Italy.”

The investment will support Paralympics Australia to plan, secure and deliver the following core functions for Milano Cortina 2026, including sports medicine services such as physiotherapy, nutrition and psychology, comprehensive travel arrangements for athletes and their equipment, the procurement of strategically located village and out-of-village accommodation and other extensive operational and logistical requirements.

Australia is aiming to take one of its largest ever Australian Teams to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Paralympic Games next March and will compete in four sports for the first time: Para-alpine skiing, Para-snowboard, Para-cross country, and Para-biathlon. The Winter Paralympic Games begin on 6th March.

Image: Women's Slalom at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Paralympic Games. Credit: Shutterstock.