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The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Paralympics Australia (PA) and the New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) have combined to launch the country’s third Para-Sport Unit, a world-leading training environment to nurture future Paralympians for the Brisbane 2032 Games and beyond.
Past and present sporting greats, including Australia’s most decorated Paralympian Ellie Cole, three-time Paralympic swimmer Tim Hodge and Paralympic silver medal winning boccia player Jamieson Leeson, joined up and coming Para-athletes for the launch of the NSWIS Para-Sport Unit at Sydney’s Olympic Park.
Backed by $2.125 million from the AIS, $2.305 million from the New South Wales Government, and further investment from PA, the NSWIS unit will allow more Para-athletes opportunities in sport through access to fit-for-purpose training environments, specialised coaching and performance support.
It follows the launch of Para-Sport Units at the Queensland Academy of Sport and the South Australian Sports Institute, with the facilities part of the national Para Uplift made possible by the Australian Government’s biggest ever Paralympic spend.
Federal Minister for Sport, the Hon Anika Wells said the Para Uplift would be a game-changer for generations of Para-athletes.
“The Albanese Government is proud our record investment in Para-sport, doubling previous funding, is allowing more Australians to achieve their dream of wearing the green and gold in Brisbane in eight years’ time.
“It also supports our ambition to reshape how all Australians look at disability in this country. Our Paralympians are an enormous source of national pride and a force to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.”
Australian Sports Commission Executive General Manager of AIS Performance Matti Clements said: “Our current and future Paralympians have never been better supported with the launch of Australia’s third Para-Sport Unit at the New South Wales Institute of Sport.”
“The Australian Government’s historic investment in Para-sport is making a real difference. Not only is the national Para Uplift creating these incredible training environments, but it is also streamlining the classification process, supporting coaches, empowering athlete carers and ensuring our athletes have the equipment they need to represent Australia with pride.
“I would like to thank Paralympics Australia, our National Institute Network, and sports for continuing to be united in the desire to get the results our Paralympic team deserves as we look towards LA 2028, Brisbane 2032 and beyond.”
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said: “The Minns Government believes that no athlete should be held back by barriers.
“We’re committed to making sport accessible to all – because everyone deserves the opportunity to chase their dreams.
“The NSWIS Para Unit will be a game-changer, providing a clear pathway for athletes to develop their skills, find purpose and strive for greatness. “
Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Cameron Murray said the Para-Sport Units were laying the foundation for a truly inclusive and successful high performance sport system that would inspire new generations of athletes beyond Brisbane 2032.
“NSW has a proud tradition in Paralympic sport, having produced many of Australia’s greatest Paralympians,” Murray said.
“We are confident the establishment of a dedicated and well-resourced NSW Para-Sport Unit at NSWIS will prove an enormous boost for current and future athletes and coaches.
“It is exciting to think this unit will provide opportunities for up to another 40 Para-athletes over the term of the current two-year contract to come into the NSW Para-sport system and help set the foundation for an era of unprecedented success.”
Further Para-Sport Units will be launched in Victoria, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania over the coming months.
By: ASC, NSWIS, Paralympics Australia Media
Published: 4 March 2025
