Paralympians In Schools Program Gets Major Boost

Around 20,000 students from 100 primary schools across Queensland will gain life-shaping lessons from stars of Paralympic sport after the Queensland Government announced a new investment in Paralympics Australia’s Imagine Education Program. 

The $400,000 allocation over four years was announced by Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander at Stafford Heights State School in Brisbane on Thursday.  

The event was attended by Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Cameron Murray and Australian Paralympic Team athletes, two-time swimming gold medallist Rachael Watson, swimming bronze medallist Lewis Bishop and wheelchair rugby bronze medallist Ella Sabljak, who is also Paralympics Australia’s Education Program Manager. The three athletes later delivered the Imagine session to students, in which they shared their Games experiences and educated students about the Paralympic Movement, Paralympic Games and Para-sport. 

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to promoting inclusion in sport and investing in programs that ensure every Queenslander, regardless of ability, can engage in physical activity and get involved in sport,” Minister Mander said. 

“We want to ignite the dreams of our next generation of Paralympic champions, and the Imagine Education Program will challenge the perceptions and attitudes towards people with disabilities, providing an opportunity for kids to learn about the pathways available in Para-sport. 

“Our Paralympians show us there are no limits to what can be achieved through determination, hard work and resilience, that’s why we want to remove the stigma around disability in sport and promote pathways for more Queenslanders to experience the benefits of sport.” 

Sabljak said the bolstered program would deliver a range of benefits for Queensland students, teachers and the athletes involved.  

“By bringing our Paralympians into schools, we start conversations about diversity and inclusion, not just in sport but right across society,” Sabljak said.  

“We know from previous school visits that the program empowers students with a disability and also empowers their peers. Teachers have reported that classroom dynamics changed, in that students were more likely to include their classmates with a disability and were much more conscious that it’s everyone’s responsibility to make their environment fairer and more accessible. 

“I think this is a powerful statement from the Queensland Government that it values the role Paralympians can play beyond the sporting arena and thousands of Queensland schoolkids are going to gain a lot from this investment.” 

Paralympics Australia President Alison Creagh thanked Minister Mander and the Queensland Government.   

“Paralympics Australia is proud to partner with the Queensland Government to boost the number of schools and students we reach with the lessons and insights we know can change lives,” Ms Creagh said. 

“Paralympians are champions for inclusion. They challenge stereotypes, transform attitudes and break down social barriers. As we head towards the Brisbane Paralympics in 2032, we have a unique opportunity to showcase what people with a disability can achieve in sport and, indeed, all aspects of life. 

“Thank you, Minister Mander and the Queensland Government, for supporting Paralympics Australia’s Imagine Education Program and sharing our vision for a fairer and more inclusive society.” 

By David Sygall, Paralympics Australia.

Published 3 March, 2025.