The Albanese Government’s historic support of current and future Paralympians has continued with the launch of a new direct to athlete grant.
The Para Athlete Barrier Fund will provide up to $4000 per eligible athlete to compete against the world’s best, assist with training or go towards carer support costs.
The targeted support follows the nation’s biggest ever Para system survey which identified a range of barriers stopping our athletes reaching their medal potential.
This extra support going direct to athletes is part of the national Para Uplift funded by the Albanese Government’s $54.9 million investment in Paralympic sport – doubling the previous investment in preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Games.
The record investment has also seen Para Sport Units established in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, with other state and territories unveiling their Units in the coming months.
The Para Uplift, under the leadership of the AIS and Paralympic Australia and in partnership with the National Institute Network and sports, is addressing better classification opportunities, access to fit-for-purpose training environments and specialised coaching and performance support.
Applications for the AIS Para Athlete Barrier Fund are now open and close Monday 5 May.
For more information and to apply, visit the Australian Sports Commission’s Grants and Funding page: www.sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:
“Australia’s Para athletes have never been better supported thanks to the Albanese Government’s historic investment in Para sport.
"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."
Quotes attributable to Australian Sports Commission Executive General Manager of AIS Performance, Matti Clements:
“I would like to thank the Australian Government for their ongoing support of our current and future Paralympians.
“The AIS Para Athlete Barrier Fund 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.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Solomon, Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans Affairs and Northern Australia, Luke Gosling OAM:
“Today’s announcement is about ensuring all Territorians that want to be involved in sport can reach their potential.
“We are proud of the 11 Northern Territory Paralympians that have so far proudly represented Australia, and we look forward to providing opportunities for more of our own to wear the green and gold on the road to Brisbane 2032 and beyond."
Quotes attributable to Paralympic bronze medallist Shae Graham PLY:
“There are so many barriers to participating in Para sports, sometimes the list seems endless.
“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.
“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.”