The Minns Labor Government has announced a $250,000 funding boost for NSW school students that aims to increase the number of Australian Para-athletes in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 and challenge stereotypes about people living with disability.
Paralympics Australia's Imagine Education Program involves year 3-6 students at schools around the state participating in interactive sessions - delivered by Paralympians - that aim to increase awareness and understanding of disability inclusion.
As part of the Program, teachers can access curriculum resources to educate students about the Paralympic movement, the Paralympic Games, and Para-sports.
The Program will also promote Paralympics Australia's 'The Start Line' online platform - a dedicated home for information, guidance and opportunities for Para-athletes to begin or continue their Para-sport journeys.
For further information on Paralympics Australia's Imagine Education Program and to register your interest visit the Paralympics Australia website.
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
"The NSW Government is committed to every citizen, regardless of ability or age, having equal access to participate in sport in NSW.
"Our investment in Paralympics Australia's Imagine Education Program reflects our determination to break down stereotypes about disability and support students with disability to participate.
"By promoting inclusion and starting conversations about diversity in primary schools, we can empower both students with disability and their peers to make their school communities more inclusive.
"We all witnessed the incredible achievements of NSW para-athletes like Timothy Hodge at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and I look forward to seeing the graduates of this program competing at Brisbane 2032."
Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:
"Paralympics Australia's Imagine Education Program has the power to spark an appreciation of inclusion from an early age.
"When students hear directly from our Paralympians, they don't just learn about sport - they learn about strength, resilience and that everyone can be amazing.
"By backing this program, we're helping to change perceptions, ignite the dreams for future Paralympians, and build a more inclusive NSW."
Paralympics Australia CEO Cameron Murray said:
"We are grateful to Minister Kamper and the NSW Government for their generous support of the Paralympics Australia Imagine Education Program.
"This funding will be instrumental in helping our incredible Paralympians get to schools around NSW, where they will share their stories, challenge students' attitudes towards disability and help create behavioural change.
"This is a program about empowerment through inclusion and diversity. Students will take the lessons they gain back to their families, into their social groups and, eventually, into their adult lives. It will create genuine improvement across society.
"We are excited about the growth of our Imagine Education Program and thrilled that the NSW Government shares our vision, as we look to continue expanding the program across Australia."
