The future of Para sport in Western Australia is here, and its impact is already being felt.
Late last year, WAIS officially wrapped up the inaugural edition of its Para Unit FastTrack program, marking a significant milestone for the State’s high-performance pathway and the athletes who dream of competing on the world stage.
To capture this moment, WAIS followed the first cohort with a camera crew, documenting authentic stories, powerful breakthroughs, and the genuine camaraderie that defined the program.
This 12-minute mini documentary goes deeper, spotlighting the journeys of three athletes, Taryn, Olivia and Caitlin.
Each brings a different story, a different starting point, and a different reason for stepping into Para sport. But together, they represent something bigger: possibility, belonging, and ambition.
The documentary builds on the foundations of the FastTrack program, which has quickly established itself as a critical entry point into Para sport in Western Australia. It provides aspiring athletes with their first exposure to a high-performance environment, while also helping WAIS identify and nurture emerging talent.
Now supporting 23 athletes, with more continuing to join, the WAIS Para Unit is already having a tangible impact.
A defining feature of the WAIS program is its lived experience. Four of the nine staff members are Paralympians, offering athletes direct access to mentors who understand the journey, and what it takes to succeed.
The WAIS Para Unit is Western Australia’s first dedicated high performance Para sport program… A game-changing initiative designed to ignite future Paralympic success on the road to LA 2028, Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
Delivered through a powerful collaboration between the Australian Government (via the Australian Institute of Sport), Paralympics Australia, and the Western Australian Government, the Para Unit forms part of the national Para Uplift strategy – the largest investment in Paralympic sport in Australia’s history.
It’s already achieving significant outcomes – from reducing participation barriers and uncovering new talent to strengthening performance pathways and building world-class Para sport environments.
But at its core, this program is about people.
It’s about stepping outside comfort zones, building confidence, finding connection, and discovering what’s possible.
And this is just the beginning.
Want to be part of the WAIS Para Unit? Register your interest: https://wais.org.au/sports/para-unit/
