The Albanese Government has provided almost half a million dollars to boost the program that uncovered Paralympic champions like Rowan Crothers and Paige Greco.
To mark nine years until the 2032 Paralympic Games begin, Minister for Sport Anika Wells joined athletes in Brisbane to announce $466,500 will be invested in Paralympic Australia’s Talent Identification and Pathway Entry program.
“We have one goal for the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games – support Australia’s biggest ever team to achieve the nation’s best ever performance,” Minister Wells said.
“But the work must start now, and this funding will go a long way in discovering and developing new talent to shine at Brisbane 2032.
“Of the 179 Australian athletes selected to compete in Tokyo, 63 were products of the talent identification and pathway programs, including Rowan Crothers (swimming), Paige Greco (cycling) and James Turner (athletics) who were major contributors to our nation’s medal haul.”
The Albanese Government’s $466,500 investment will help fund Paralympics Australia to leverage and increase the number of talented athletes entering Para-sport pathways in every state and territory, address gaps in the pathway across more than 20 Para-sports and support classification outcomes.
“It is crucial we provide our Para-athletes with the opportunity to make the most of their talents,” Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said.
“We all remember our last home Paralympics in Sydney, where Australia finished on top of the table, achieving our largest ever medal haul from our biggest ever team.”
Paralympics Australia CEO Catherine Clarke said: “The lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games provides a generational opportunity to build and deliver an equitable, inclusive and sustainable sporting system.
“We need to make sure every day of the next nine years counts. While our current Paralympians prepare to do Australia proud at Paris 2024 next year, we need to make sure we are also focusing on uncovering and supporting the athletes who will wear the green and gold and inspire us all at LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032.
“Our relationship will continue to be pivotal if we are to lead positive social change throughout Australia via greater representation and participation opportunities for people with a disability.”
