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Australia’s resurgent Para-powerlifting program will start a new series of talent identification initiatives and support for high performance athletes thanks to an injection of funding from Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA), announced on Tuesday.
Powerlifting is one of the 22 Commonwealth Games sports set to receive financial support from CGA as part of its initial allocation of Green2Gold2Great investment in the lead up to the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
3X3 wheelchair basketball, swimming, triathlon and lawn bowls are the other sports in which Para-athletes will benefit from CGA’s backing, alongside their able-bodied colleagues.
“Commonwealth Games Australia has long been a champion of inclusive sport,” Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Catherine Clark said.
“CGA’s ongoing commitment to integrating Para-athletes in its funding models and programs sets a positive example across Australia’s sporting landscape and helps encourage and develop Para-athletes to achieve their best.
“I’d specifically like to acknowledge CGA’s continuing support for Para-powerlifting, given the sport relies on CGA funding to operate.”
Simon Bergner, Australia’s Para-powerlifting head coach, said he was grateful to CGA.
“This funding is a must for us,” he said. “Our program isn’t funded otherwise. We get some help from Paralympics Australia with admin and things like that, but for us to give any support to the athletes, to do any coaching, to have camps – this funding is essential. If we don’t have that the program basically doesn’t run.”
Bergner guided Hani Watson to a bronze medal at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Australia’s first since 2006. He is trying to restore the nation’s standing in the sport. Between Tokyo 1964 and London 2012, Australia was represented in every Paralympic competition, winning four gold, eight silver and five bronze medals.
#ParaPowerlifting: Hani Watson grabbed herself a #Bronze medal in the Women's Heavyweight at @birminghamcg22. What a debut for Hani! 💪
— AUS Paralympic Team (@AUSParalympics) August 5, 2022
📸: @CommGamesAUS
#BoldInGold #Birmingham2022 #B2022 pic.twitter.com/nNgN0KgYdE
“From about 2013, 2014, the wheels fell off a bit, you could say,” Bergner said. “Over the last six or seven years, since I got involved, I’ve been trying to push participation but also high performance athletes who encourage growth for the sport.
“With this funding from CGA, we’ll look to run events and competitions in Australia and also hold talent ID days, information sessions about what our sport actually is and explain the opportunities that are there.
“On behalf of the Para-powerlifting program in Australia, it’s a big thanks from me for this support, which allows us the opportunity to do our best at the next Games, support our top-tier athletes and also to execute the initiatives we’ve planned out.”
By: David Sygall, Paralympics Australia
Posted: 12 October 2023
