Northern Territory Para Sport Unit launches in Darwin

The Northern Territory Sports Academy (NTSA) Para Sport Unit has launched in Darwin marking the sixth to come online across Australia in the past seven months.

Para-athletes from the Top End will now have more access to support and training than ever before. Backed by $754,500 from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), $440,000 from the Northern Territory Government and further investment from Paralympics Australia, the Northern Territory Sports Academy (NTSA) Para Sport Unit joins a growing national network of facilities, thanks to the Australian Government’s historic funding increase of Para-sport.

The Australian Government has invested an additional $54.9 million in Para-sport, doubling existing support to create the Para Uplift, which is addressing better classification opportunities, access to fit-for-purpose training environments, and specialised coaching and performance support in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.

Para Sport Units have already been established at the South Australian Sports Institute, Victorian Institute of Sport, New South Wales Institute of Sport, Queensland Academy of Sport and Western Australian Institute of Sport, with facilities in development in Tasmania and the ACT.

Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells said the impact the Para Uplift has already had on athletes can’t be understated.

Australian Sports Commission Executive General Manager of AIS Performance Matti Clements said the units and the Para Uplift are creating an incredible legacy for Australian sport noting “The Para Uplift is a game changer for sport in this country. Not only is it creating an environment of equal opportunity for all athletes, but through the power of sport we are reshaping how all Australians look at disability.

“None of this would be possible without the support of the Australian Government and Minister Wells, whose belief in high performance sport’s vision to Win Well will allow our current and future Paralympians to reach their full potential and help us achieve our goal of making Brisbane our most successful ever Games.”

Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Cameron Murray added “The Northern Territory has a proud Paralympic history, dating back to the late Mark Davies, a five-time Paralympian in athletics and, in 1984, the winner of two gold medals.

“Now, we move into a new era where current and possibly future Paralympians will have a dedicated and well-resourced Para-sport hub that provides them the resources they need to achieve their potential.

“Paralympics Australia is proud to work with the Federal and Territory Governments and we thank both governments for their generous contributions and for truly grasping the value of a strong Para-sport system here and right around the country.”

The Para Uplift was born from the Win Well Strategy, which is a united commitment from 62 sports and sporting organisations to prioritise wellbeing in order to create a culture of sustainable success in the leadup to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

To learn more about the Win Well Strategy and the Para Uplift, visit the Australian Sports Commission website

Image. Sprinter Telaya Blacksmith, a proud Warlpiri woman from Lajamanu in the Northern Territory, made her Paralympic debut at the 2024 Games in Paris. Credit ASC