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Paralympics Australia (PA) is delighted with confirmation of how the Federal Government’s historic investment in Paralympic sport will be allocated, calling it a “game-changer” for Australia’s sporting future.
The announcement of $54.9 million in new funding over the next two years signals a generational shift in support for Paralympic athletes, grassroots participation and the pathways needed to ensure Australia’s competitive edge in the lead-up to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games and Brisbane 2032.
PA President Alison Creagh described the allocation as generational transformation, saying it represented a long-awaited opportunity to elevate Paralympic sport to new levels of success and sustainability.
“This is a significant moment for Paralympic sport in Australia,” Ms Creagh said. “The Federal Government’s commitment to addressing systemic barriers to Para-sport reflects a genuine recognition of its value to the nation.
“With this investment, we can focus on building world-class high performance programs and strengthening grassroots participation across more sports than ever before.
“The future of Australian Paralympic sport is looking a lot brighter today.”
Significant increases to the two high performance programs managed by Paralympics Australia – wheelchair rugby and powerlifting – are key features of the new investment, along with new and exciting allocations to goalball and blind football, both of which will receive federal funding at an unprecedented level.
“We commend the leadership of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Sport Anika Wells and the Australian Sports Commission,” Ms Creagh said.
“This funding will ensure Australians with disabilities are included, supported and enabled to participate and excel at all levels of sport. It’s a generational shift, and Paralympics Australia is ready to embrace the opportunity with responsibility and determination to work with all our system partners to reach new heights.”
PA Chief Executive Cameron Murray said the funding would provide the critical foundation needed to build an inclusive, sustainable and high-performing Para-sport ecosystem.
“Paralympics Australia is proud and fully committed to partnering with the AIS, the National Institute Network, National Sporting Organisations, as well as National Sporting Organisations for People with a Disability and other members to maximise the impact of this funding,” Mr Murray said.
“With a particular focus on the priority areas of Classification and Para-pathways, we’re confident that our collective efforts can deliver a system that nurtures talent, fosters inclusion and achieves sustained excellence.
“From the local park, track and pool to the podium, this investment will touch every level of sport. It’s about giving every Australian eligible for Para-sport the opportunity to participate and excel. It will strengthen the resilience of our programs and ensure a high performance system that delivers not just medals but also pride, inspiration and respect among the broader community.”
The Win Well funding was allocated after 12 months of consultation with sports on their strategy and performance targets leading up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympics.
It is the first time the Australian Sports Commission has allocated funding that stretches from the playground to the podium, building on the success of the sector-wide High Performance (Win Well) and Participation (Play Well) strategies.
Minister for Sport Anika Wells said, “This is a record funding package for Australian sport, designed to seize the opportunity of a lifetime between now and Brisbane 2032. By doubling our investment in Para-sport, we’re creating the foundation for more Australians to play sport and our athletes to win well.”
Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins OAM added, “This funding sets a foundation for inspiring all Australians through sport. From grassroots to the world stage, we are building a system that supports our athletes and unites our communities.”
By Tim Mannion, Paralympics Australia.
Published 29 November, 2024.
