Federal Government Investment To Develop Pacific Sporting Talent 

Para athlete talent identification, classification support and delivery of Para sport-specific camps are among an array of initiatives to be undertaken as part of the Federal Government’s investment in Pacific sporting talent. 

Paralympics Australia, in partnership with the Australian Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Australia, welcomed the announcement today by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy of $15.6 million over four years for the PacificAus Sports Program, to support athletes and officials from 13 Pacific countries to access high-performance training and qualification opportunities as they prepare for international Para sport events.   

“The Pacific is home to incredible sporting talent. This new partnership will contribute to producing the next generation of successful athletes,” the Prime Minister said. 

“As we move forward in planning for Brisbane 2032, Australia looks forward to welcoming the best of the best sporting talent from the Pacific and supporting them to go for gold.”

Minister Conroy said: “Sport has a unique power to bring people together, and support healthy lives, gender equity and youth leadership. 
  
“This is an investment in the development of athletes across the Pacific. I look forward to seeing many successful Pacific athletes at the upcoming Paralympics, Commonwealth and Olympic Games.” 

As part of the Oceania Para Sport Strategy, Paralympics Australia, alongside the Oceania Paralympic Committee, will support initiatives to maximise Pacific athletes’ and officials’ participation and opportunities for success by dismantling systemic barriers to Para athlete classification.  

THE START LINE

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Paralympics Australia will support classifier education, training and resource development, in addition to supporting Pacific athletes to obtain international classification. 

Central to the strategy will be the appointment of an Oceania Classification Strategy Implementation Lead embedded within Paralympics Australia. The Lead will draw upon classification expertise within Paralympics Australia established through the Australian Government’s Para System Uplift investment. 

“Paralympics Australia is committed to working as an effective partner, alongside the Australian Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Australia, to implement the government’s strategy to continue building relationships within our region and provide opportunities for Para athletes,” Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Cameron Murray said.  

“This is the kind of support that will enable athletes with a disability from across the region to chase their dreams and gain the many benefits we know come from participation in sport.  

“On behalf of the Australian Paralympic Movement, thank you to the Australian Government for its exceptional support for Para athletes, not just within Australia, but throughout Oceania.”