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Applications are now open for the Para-sports Draft – a joint initiative of the Australian Paralympic Committee and the Australian Institute of Sport.

The Para-sports Draft aims to introduce more people into Paralympic sport and is focusing on people between the ages of 15 and 30 with cerebral palsy (CP) and other neurological-type impairments, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or an acquired brain injury.

VIDEO – Six-time Paralympian Hamish McDonald explains the Para-sport Draft: youtube.com/watch

The AIS Para-sports Draft will initially focus on the recruitment of new individuals into the targeted sports of para-athletics, para-cycling and para-swimming; para-canoeing, para-rowing, para-shooting, para-triathlon, para-table tennis, para-boccia, para-alpine and para-snowboarding.

Potential athletes are asked to express their interest. If they make it through the initial phase they will then be invited to attend state-based selection trials. Successful athletes at the selection trials will be provided an opportunity to link with a coach in their area and commence a 12-month training program supported by the AIS, APC and relevant national sporting organisation.

Based on the success of similar talent transfer and recruitment programs, the AIS and APC are excited by the potential contribution this program could make to future Australia’s Winning Edge performance targets heading in to Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

AIS Director Matt Favier said: “It’s pleasing to see national sporting organisations, the Australian Paralympic Committee, the AIS and numerous other stakeholders working closely to find athletes who may be able to transfer their skills, knowledge and winning ways into Olympic and Paralympic sports,” Favier said.

“Individuals aged 14-30 with cerebral palsy and neurological brain impairments with a keen interest to be involved in the Para-sports Draft, express your interest today.”

For more information and to register, please visit: http://ausport.gov.au/ais/australias_winning_edge/para_sports_draft

By AIS and APC Media
Posted: 20/8/2014