UQ partners with Paralympics Australia to become para sports hub

Brisbane is set to become a hub for Paralympic sport with the announcement of a nationally significant partnership between The University of Queensland and Paralympics Australia.

The collaboration was unveiled as a delegation from Paralympics Australia, including Chief Executive Catherine Clark, toured UQ’s St Lucia campus at the end of last week.

Advising that the partnership provides a unique opportunity for two world-leading organisations to merge resources and create positive change through the power of sport, UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor, Deborah Terry stated “with UQ ranked second in the world for sports science, the 2032 Paralympics presents an extraordinary opportunity to apply our knowledge and expertise to encourage and support para-athletes.

“As the Official Higher Education Partner of Paralympics Australia, UQ will build, innovate, research, educate and advocate for broad inclusion and diversity while also increasing the opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in regular sport and physical activity.

“We know three out of four Australians with a disability want to participate in sport, but only one in four do.

“This partnership will allow us to change those statistics and assist para-athletes to engage in regular sport and physical activity, including training for and participation in sporting competition.”

The collaboration would also see UQ students in a variety of professional programs completing industry placements with Paralympics Australia starting this year.

As Professor Terry added “our highly sought-after graduates will be even better prepared for future success through enriching real-life educational experiences.

“Consistent with UQ’s Disability Action Plan we will also ensure our curricula and the experience of students in programs from across the University match our goal of providing positive social and physical benefits to people with disabilities, their families, carers and the broader community.”

Following last week’s announcement by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk that a new Paralympics Australia base will open in Brisbane, space will also be available at the University to enable closer planning and collaboration in the lead up to 2032.

Paralympics Australia’s Clark said the collaboration with UQ was another step towards achieving PA’s vision of a world-leading and equitable sport system.

Clark noted “this wonderful collaboration with The University of Queensland will help deliver our stated ambition to lead, develop and leverage partnerships to build capability and enhance Paralympic sport equity and success towards and beyond 2032.

“Following the establishment of The Queensland Network for Paralympic Performance Enhancement and Applied Sports Research in 2021 and our ongoing engagement with the National Institute of Network, PA continues to look for more ways to engage with partners - existing and new - to build the capacity and capability of the Paralympic movement.

“This potential of the collaboration is incredibly exciting, and I believe its positive and meaningful impact can stretch far beyond para-sport.”

Image: UQ Vice Chancellor Deborah Terry, Paralympian and UQ student Lakeisha Patterson and Paralympics Australia's Catherine Clark.