Paralympics Australia welcomes Para-sport integration for Victoria’s 2026 Commonwealth Games

Paralympics Australia has applauded the decision from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to embrace Victoria’s aspiration to deliver a Games with a strong regional focus along with its likely inclusion of Para-sport in the program.

With yesterday’s hosting announcement for Victoria 2026, putting para-sport on a 10-year runway towards the 2032 Paralympic Games in Brisbane, Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Catherine Clark said Birmingham’s commitment to grow Para-sport integration and highly successful editions in Melbourne 2006 and Gold Coast 2018 means Australia is well-position to set a new standard in collaboration with the CGF.

Clark advised “this really is exciting news for Australian sport lovers and particularly for the people of Victoria.

“The vision of the Victorian Government to host these Games in regional areas is progressive and compelling and will no doubt bring a special and unique flavour to the experience for spectators in attendance and viewers watching from overseas.

“Sport is stitched into the fabric of regional Australia. So many of our greatest athletes are from outside of our major cities and have reached the pinnacle of their sports. For aspiring athletes and fans alike residing in regional Victoria, being able to experience a major multi-sport event in their local area is an invaluable opportunity.

“I’m so pleased for our colleagues at Commonwealth Games Australia who have been integral to this successful negotiation process and for all the Games partners who now have the opportunity and responsibility to deliver a world-class event.

“For Paralympics Australia, we are ready to play our part with a focus on ensuring the Para-sport component in 2026 builds on the extensive progress that was made during the Gold Coast Games in 2018.”

Included for the first time at the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games, para-sport is set to have the largest integrated program in history in Birmingham later this year with 42 medal events across eight sports.

16 sports, including six para-sports have been revealed in yesterday’s first phase announcement of Victoria 2026 Games plans, with more sports to be confirmed later this year.

Image: Para-sport at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014.