The goal to make Brisbane 2032 Australia’s most successful Paralympic Games on record is on track, with more than 150 new Para-athletes uncovered by the Para Uplift in the past 12 months.
This week marks one year since the first Para Sport Unit was launched in Adelaide at the South Australian Sports Institute, with facilities now established in every state and territory across the country.
Backed by record investment from the Australian Government, the Para Uplift is Australia’s largest ever effort to grow Para-sport, giving more athletes the support, coaching and pathways they need to reach their full potential not only for Brisbane, but for generations to come. Led by the Australian Institute of Sport in partnership with Paralympics Australia, the Para Uplift has delivered major milestones since December last year, including:
Four-time Paralympic medal-winning swimmer Rachael Watson was one of the more than 100 athletes who received additional funding through the Para Athlete Barrier Fund, with the grant assisting her with the cost of carers during training and at major events.
“The Para Uplift is tackling Para-sport not as a problem but in a way that highlights the positivity that we can bring to this space. And without this, we’re not going to make that change that we’re trying to see,” Watson said.
“It just shows me that the system is really valuing the support that an athlete needs. It’s something that is going to transform Para-sport in Australia and it’s going to have this long-lasting legacy as well.”
Paralympic bronze medal-winning wheelchair rugby player Shae Graham, who sits on the Para Uplift Steering Group, added: “With this influx of funding and all the brilliant ideas that are around the Para Uplift, it’s just such an exciting time to be a Para-athlete.
“There are so many more opportunities for young athletes coming through, but it’s also opening opportunities for pre-existing athletes. We’ve got seven years to grow interest and talent – 2032 is going to be big.”
The Australian Government invested an additional $54.9 million in Para-sport, doubling existing support to create the Para Uplift, which is addressing better classification opportunities, access to fit-for-purpose training environments, and specialised coaching and performance support in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.
To learn more about the Para Uplift, visit www.ausport.gov.au/winwell/para-uplift
By the Australian Sports Commission.
Published 15 December, 2025.
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