New Para Unit aims to double Queensland's Paralympic pipeline ahead of Brisbane 2032
- Crisafulli Government invests $2 million into new Para-Sport Unit to double pipeline of Para-athletes ahead of Brisbane 2032
- The QAS will focus on enhancing performance pathways and developing specialised Para sport coaches
- Joint funding provided by the Crisafulli Government, Australian Government and Paralympics Australia
The Crisafulli Government has announced $2 million in funding for The Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) to launch a new Para-Sport Unit which will more than double the pipeline of future Paralympians on the road to Brisbane 2032.
The Unit, delivered in partnership with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and Paralympics Australia, will reduce barriers for participation and talent identification, enhance performance pathways, and develop world-class Para-sport coaches.
There are more than 160 systemic barriers to entry and progression for Para-athletes, including limited access to classification and high-performance pathways, a lack of experienced coaches and challenges with travelling to national and international competitions.
The QAS currently supports 85 Para-athletes, and this investment aims to more than double this number by 2029.
Key initiatives of the Para Sport Unit include:
- Para Talent Program: A pre-elite pathway providing tailored support for 40 aspiring Para athletes, modelled on the successful QAS Talent Support Plan program
- Gen2032 Para Coaching Program: Developing specialised coaching pathways to strengthen Para sport expertise across Queensland
- Affiliate Program and Talent ID Network: Establishing partnerships with allied health professionals and networks to expand talent identification efforts
- Revamped YouFor2032 Talent Search: Redesigned as a four-stage program to identify and develop emerging Para talent.
The Unit is backed by $2 million from the Queensland Government, $2.125 million from the Australian Government and $270,000 from Paralympics Australia over two years.
Queensland's Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the Para-Sport Unit would be a game-changer for Queensland's Paralympic future.
"We want Brisbane 2032 to be our most successful Paralympic Games ever," Minister Mander said.
"The Crisafulli Government is committed to promoting inclusion in sport and investing in pathways and programs that allow all Queenslanders to pursue their dreams at the highest level.
"The QAS Para-Sport Unit has a clear focus on reducing barriers that Para-athletes and people with a disability face when engaging in sport, creating a legacy that will drive Queensland and Australia's success on the global stage.
"The Unit will help pave the way for Australian dominance in Para-sport, igniting the dreams of the next generation and inspiring them to follow in the footsteps of Paralympic champions like Ella Sabljak, Lewis Bishop, Rachael Watson, Korey Boddington, Alexa Leary and Curtis McGrath."
Federal Minister for Aged Care and Sport, the Hon Minister Anika Wells, said the lead-up to our home Games in Brisbane 2032 provided a generational opportunity to create a legacy in sport and reshape how all Australians look at disability in this country.
"The Albanese Government is determined to ensure we have more Australians who live with a disability participating in sport as we know that while three in four people with a disability want to play sport, unfortunately only one in four are able to take part," Minister Wells said.
"We are proud of our record investment in our Paralympians, doubling previous funding, creates even more pathways for Queenslanders to wear the green and gold at our home Games in Brisbane in eight years' time."
Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Officer Cameron Murray said Paralympics Australia was proud to contribute its knowledge and expertise in support of the Queensland Para-Sport Unit.
"We're grateful to the Federal and Queensland Governments for their generous contributions and for truly grasping the value of a strong Para-sport system in Queensland and more broadly," he said.
"A huge amount of work has gone into understanding and addressing the barriers to entry and progression faced by current and future Para-athletes to participate in sport and potentially reach high performance levels.
"Having a dedicated and well-resourced Para-Sport Unit at the QAS addresses many of these issues, opening doors for athletes across multiple sports to progress and maintain Queensland's proud record in Paralympic sport."
Australian Sports Commission Executive General Manager of AIS Performance Matti Clements said The Australian Institute of Sport, the National Institute Network, sports and Paralympics Australia are all aligned on the desire to get the outcomes our Paralympic team deserve as we look towards LA 2028, Brisbane 2032, and beyond.
"QAS has been a critical support in the planning and development of the Para System Uplift, and the standup of their Para Unit is a significant milestone for Queensland and our sport sector as a whole," he said.
"The work to achieve our best-ever Paralympics in Brisbane needs to happen now, and thanks to the Australian Government's record investment in Para-sport, we are confident we can not only make that happen but ensure sustainable sporting success that will inspire and motivate Australians to win well for generations to come."
Paralympic bronze medallist Ella Sabljak said the new QAS Para-Sport Unit will transform how athletes develop and progress towards success at Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
"For young and emerging Para-athletes, the new Para Unit at the QAS signals that their journey is just as valued, just as supported, and just as full of opportunity as any other athletes. It's an investment into the next generation of Paralympic champions."
