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Paralympics Australia has welcomed the move of the Federal Government and Australian Institute of Sport to launch a Para Athlete Barrier Grant and help alleviate ongoing costs incurred by Australian Para-athletes.
The new grant, announced by Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells, is part of the Australian Government’s record investment in Paralympic sport through the Para System Uplift program.
It will provide a one-grant grant of up to $4,000 per successful applicant to assist with costs associated with training, competition and carer support.
Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Cameron Murray said the initiative was another important step in addressing the unique challenges faced by Australian Para-athletes on their journey to the international stage.
“We know many Para-athletes face significant financial hurdles just to compete in their chosen sport,” Mr Murray said.
“The AIS Para Athlete Barrier Grant will provide direct support which will enable Para-athletes to direct more of the focus towards performance rather than financial pressures.”
“We are grateful to the Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells and to our valued colleagues at the AIS, led by Executive General Manager of AIS Performance Matti Clements, for driving this initiative as part of the wider Para System Uplift program that is already making an exciting impact across the Australian sporting system.”
Paralympics Australia encourages all eligible athletes to apply for the AIS Para Athlete Barrier Grant, with applications now open until Monday, May 5. Athletes can apply through the Australian Sports Commission Grants and Funding page: www.sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding
The Federal Minister for Sport made the announcement while meeting with Para-athletes in Darwin on Friday.
“Australia’s Para-athletes have never been better supported thanks to the Albanese Government’s historic investment in Para sport,” Minister Wells said.
“We have doubled our high performance funding for Paralympians to $55m which includes direct support for our athletes through the Barrier Fund.
“We’ve heard from our athletes the challenges they face in reaching their potential and the AIS Para Athlete Barrier Fund will provide immediate support where it’s needed most as we look ahead to our home Games in Brisbane.”
Ms Clements said the AIS Para Athlete Barrier Fund was born from the nation’s biggest ever Para system survey, which identified a range of barriers stopping athletes reaching their medal potential.
“Our athletes are at the heart of all that we do and when they told us what they needed to realise their full potential and win well, we not only listened but acted,” Ms Clements said.
“The AIS Para Athlete Barrier Grant is a timely investment for athletes preparing for next year’s Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, as well as for those laying the foundations for Los Angeles in 2028.
“Australian sport is united in making our Para facilities and athlete support world’s best and I would like to thank the Australian Government for their ongoing commitment to our current and future Paralympians.”
Two-time Paralympian Shae Graham, who won bronze with the Australian Steelers Wheelchair Rugby Team at the Paris 2024 Games, said the grant will make a difference for athletes.
“There are so many barriers to participating in Para sports, sometimes the list seems endless,” Graham said.
“However, this money will help to minimise the barriers standing in our way and remove some of the financial pressures, which will ultimately allow us to focus on our training and performance.
“The announcement of the Para Uplift was such welcome news – it’s really an exciting time to be a Para athlete. It’s going to be amazing to watch the growth, development and success of Australia’s Para athletes in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.”
For more information and to apply, visit the ASC Grants and Funding page: www.sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding
By: PA and ASC Media
Published: 21 March 2025
