More than 100 Para-athletes will continue chasing their dreams at upcoming summer and winter Paralympics with the backing of a critical funding boost from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and Paralympics Australia.
A key initiative of the Australian Government funded Para Uplift, The Para Athlete Barrier Fund, will help offset a range of necessary expenses such as equipment, travel, and carer and support costs for 122 athletes from across 18 sports.
The Para Athlete Barrier Fund was born out of the nation’s biggest ever Para-system survey, which identified a range of barriers stopping athletes reaching their medal potential.
Paris 2024 Paralympian Kane Perris PLY was a recipient of the grant, and said, ‘being awarded the Para Athlete Barrier Fund has been a real game changer for our lead in to the 2025 Track World Championships. It gave Luke Zaccaria (my tandem pilot) and I the chance to travel for a training camp in Melbourne alongside the Australian women’s tandem. This was the first time ever we’ve been able to work on the technical side of the team sprint ahead of racing. That extra preparation thanks to the Barrier Fund has put us in the best possible position to challenge for the top step in October.’
The Australian Government has invested an additional $54.9 million in Para-sport – doubling previous investment – to fund the Para Uplift, which aims to make Brisbane 2032 Australia’s most successful Games ever.
The focus is on addressing better classification opportunities, access to fit-for-purpose training environments, and specialised coaching and performance support.
In addition to the Para Athlete Barrier Fund, the Para Uplift has established Para Sport Units, you can read more about the WAIS Para Unit here.
