Para-Sport Unit To Supercharge Pathways  

The Queensland Academy of Sport has launched a new Para-Sport Unit with the goal of at least doubling the pipeline of Paralympians on the road to Brisbane 2032. 

The Unit, delivered in partnership with the Australian Institute of Sport and Paralympics Australia, will reduce barriers for participation and talent identification, enhance performance pathways and develop world-class Para-sport coaches.  

There are more than 160 systemic barriers to entry and progression for Para-athletes, including limited access to classification and high-performance pathways, a lack of experienced coaches and challenges travelling to national and international competitions. 

The QAS currently supports 85 Para-athletes, with this investment set to more than double this number by 2029. 

Federal Minister for Aged Care and Sport, the Hon Minister Anika Wells said the lead-up to the Games in Brisbane 2032 provided a generational opportunity to create a legacy in sport and reshape perceptions of disability. 

“The Albanese Government is determined to ensure we have more Australians who live with a disability participating in sport as we know that while three in four people with a disability want to play sport, unfortunately only one in four are able to take part,” Minister Wells said. 

“We are proud our record investment in our Paralympians, doubling previous funding, creates even more pathways for Queenslanders to wear the green and gold at our home Games in Brisbane in eight years’ time.” 

Queensland’s Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the Para-Sport Unit would be a game-changer for Queensland’s Paralympic future. 

“The QAS Para-Sport Unit will help pave the way for Australian dominance in Para- sport, igniting the dreams of the next generation and inspiring them to follow in the footsteps of Paralympic champions like Ella Sabljak, Lewis Bishop, Rachael Watson, Korey Boddington, Alexa Leary and Curtis McGrath,” Minister Mander said. 

“The Unit has a clear focus on reducing barriers Para-athletes and people with a disability face when engaging in sport, creating a legacy that will drive Queensland and Australia’s success on the global stage.” 

The Para-Unit will create 16 full-time positions and approximately 10 part-time positions. Athletes will utilise the state-of-the-art facilities at QAS in Nathan. 

Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Officer Cameron Murray said Paralympics Australia was proud to add its knowledge and expertise in support of the Queensland Para-Sport Unit. 

“We’re grateful to the Federal and Queensland Governments for their generous contributions and for truly grasping the value of a strong Para-sport system in Queensland and more broadly,” he said. 

“A huge amount of work has gone into understanding and addressing the barriers to entry and progression faced by current and future Para-athletes to participate in sport and potentially reach high performance levels. Having a dedicated and well resourced Para-Sport Unit at the QAS addresses many of these issues, opening doors for athletes across multiple sports to progress and maintaining Queensland’s proud record in Paralympic sport.” 

Paralympic bronze medallist Ella Sabljak said the new QAS Para Sport Unit would transform how we develop and progress athlete success towards Brisbane 2032 and beyond. 

“For young and emerging Para-athletes, the new Para Unit at the QAS signals that their journey is just as valued, just as supported and just as full of opportunity as any other athlete’s. It’s an investment in the next generation of Paralympic champions.” 

Key initiatives of the Para-Sport Unit include: 

• Para Talent Program: A pre-elite pathway providing tailored support for 40 aspiring Para athletes, modelled on the successful QAS Talent Support Plan program 

• Gen2032 Para Coaching Program: Developing specialised coaching pathways to strengthen Para sport expertise across Queensland 

• Affiliate Program and Talent ID Network: Establishing partnerships with allied health professionals and networks to expand talent identification efforts  

• Revamped YouFor2032 Talent Search: Redesigned as a four-stage program to identify and develop emerging Para talent.  

The Para Sport Unit is set to open in March.  

By: QAS 

Published: 7 February 2025