Beyond Sport Mentoring & Employment Program

Program Overview

The Beyond Sport program features a number of streams targeting Paralympians, Para athletes, people with disability (PwD) and employers.Our program is built on key pillars of mentoring, advocacy, skills development, universal design and inclusive employment.

The program supports Paralympians and Para athletes in achieving their goals both within and beyond sport. It provides peer mentoring, career readiness support and pathways to flexible employment.Our employer stream works with system partners and employers to build disability confidence, redesign roles and create inclusive workplaces through education, Community of Practice sessions and practical tools.

Getting Involved

If you are passionate about supporting Paralympians and Para athletes and wish to be a part of this transformative program, we invite you to register your interest as an athlete or person with disability doing paid work for your expertise, mentor, mentee, collaborator, employer, organisation, supporter, and/or ask any questions.

Submit Expression of Interest

If you have any accessibility requirements, need assistance, have questions, or would prefer to submit your application by email, please contact us via email.

Woman in a wheelchair gesturing while speaking to a small group in a bright, minimalist room; a young man in an orange chair listens beside her.

Why The Program Is Important

Paralympians and Para athletes face unique transition challenges throughout their lives, sport and career; with limited access to structured skills-building and flexible pathways across education, sport, careers and community involvement.
1 in 5 Australians live with a disability and are twice as likely to face unemployment, often experiencing social isolation and higher rates of psychological distress.
Mentoring programs significantly boost community connection and job satisfaction (91% of mentees report happiness in their jobs) and are implemented by 71% of Fortune 500 companies.
The program addresses attitudinal barriers, promotes financial independence for people with disability and models inclusive practices for employers, contributing to broader societal equity and diversity.
It supports Paralympic sport legacy goals towards Brisbane 2032 by creating sustainable during-sport and post-sport pathways.

Key Program Opportunities

Paralympians and Para athletes involvement

Beyond Sport is co-designed and delivered by Paralympians and Para athletes, ensuring the program meets real-world needs and aspirations.

Mentoring and peer support

Experienced mentors provide guidance, support and inspiration, backed by a strong peer community sharing experiences and fostering a sense of belonging.

Mentoring program modules

Mentors and mentees work through themed modules and insight sessions, delivered through partnerships with key PA stakeholders, employers and athletes. Open to athletes at every stage of their sporting career, the program uses the skills and behaviours athletes already have to build self-belief, autonomy and a broader life – within our Paralympic Mob, in family, friend and community connections, sport, education and careers.

Peer-to-peer forums, employer networks and employment opportunities

Networking with program members and our broader network through Athlete Insight sessions, Athlete and Employer Community of Practice sessions and Employer Education sessions, plus job-matching and the program jobs e-newsletter. To date: over 120 open job placements through our employment network and over 100 Paralympians and Para athletes employed to deliver program activities.

Athlete Profiling Tool

A growing database of Paralympian and Para athlete profiles, education and employment interests, connecting more athletes to support, opportunities and employers.

Entrepreneur Program

This Paralympian-led program supports Paralympians and Para athletes through learning modules and peer support to build or scale their own business.

Advocacy

Empowering participants to advocate for themselves and others, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in all areas of life.

Skills building

Essential life and career skills that benefit Para athletes in and beyond sport.

Inclusive recruitment

Inclusive recruitment tools and resources, co-designed directly with program members.

Flexible project work with the Beyond Sport Program

Flexible work around training and competition, connecting Paralympian and Para athlete lived experience to delivery and co-design within the program and externally for program members and partner projects.