Federal Government invests $2 million in support of Australia's 2026 Winter Paralympic Quest

The Federal Government is investing $2.06 million in funding to enable an athlete-focused approach to the delivery of the Australian Team for next year's Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

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 funding aim to ensure the team's high-performance, operational, medical, logistical and communications needs are met so athletes perform at their best when it matters most.

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.

Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells noted "we aren't interested in only helping athletes get to the Games, we want them to thrive while there.

"This Milano Cortina funding ensures our athletes have the support they need to prepare and perform in Italy.

Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Cameron Murray added "this funding is vital to deliver the complex and wide-ranging support needed for a world-class Winter Games campaign. From outfitting and medical services to athlete wellbeing, village operations and critical logistics - every aspect of our team's preparation and performance has been considered.”

The Winter Paralympic Games begin on 6th March.