Barriers broken for Para-athletes

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.

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.

Minister for Sport the Hon Anika Wells said the Australian Government is committed to removing barriers that are often imposed on Para-athletes.

“The impact of the Para Athlete Barrier Fund and Para Uplift cannot be underestimated. For the 122 athletes named today, these grants will be the difference between being able to continue their dreams of wearing the green and gold or being financially forced into retirement,” Minister Wells said.

“Providing the right resources to the right people at the right time is how we will break the barriers that Para-athletes face and allow them to reach their full potential in sport and in life.”

The athletes receiving up to $4000 through the Para Athlete Barrier Fund include:

Ameera Lee (NSWIS), Paralympic archer: “Receiving this grant would take a big weight off my shoulders. I am training with what I have at the moment which means I am not at my optimal peak. With funds to cover gym and physio, equipment and competition costs I will be in a position to compete in my peak condition. A grant will allow me to focus on training rather than financial struggles.”

Rheed McCracken (NSWIS / main picture), three-time silver and three-time bronze Paralympic medal winning wheelchair racer: “New race chairs are very expensive but also extremely crucial to perform at a high level. Along with equipment such as wheels, push rims, gloves and tires. The fund would assist me in getting a new race chair which would help my overall performance. The chair I am currently using is heavy and we have had to make adjustments for it to be used at a high level. Being able to get a new chair would mean all these things get done at the start and a lighter chair overall means faster times.”

Vanessa Low, three-time Paralympic gold medallist and T61 long jump world record holder: “The biggest challenge is the affordability of technology. A single running leg costs around $25,000 — and I need two. While we work around most things and usually find a way, at the moment we are falling short. This is essential, as it is the main performance piece for my legs. Receiving this grant will ensure that the running leg is up to standard as the blades they lose performance as they get older. A new blade offers a higher performance outcome.”

Alexa Leary, two-time gold and silver Paralympic medal winning swimmer: “Receiving this grant will have a significant and direct impact on my ability to continue progressing and performing at the highest level in Para-swimming. It would provide essential financial support to cover the ongoing costs of travel and accommodation for myself and my dedicated support worker. This role is critical due to the effects of my traumatic brain injury (TBI), which causes cognitive challenges, emotional dysregulation, and difficulty managing basic life and sport-related tasks. Without this consistent, trusted support during competition and travel, I am unable to function effectively in high-performance environments.”

Sarah Larcombe, Para-climber pushing for Paralympic debut at LA2028: “Sport climbing and Para climbing are emerging disciplines in Australia. By receiving this grant, I would be able to at least double the number of in-person training sessions I have with my coach per week. This will lead to faster progression in both the skills-based aspect of the sport, as well as keeping my training on track.”

Korey Boddington, Paralympic gold and bronze medallist C4 Flying 200m world record holder: “I am limited by outdated equipment as my current road bike and cycling shoes no longer meet the demands of elite-level training and racing, restricting my performance and progression. Receiving this grant would allow me to upgrade essential equipment, significantly improving my training quality, race performance, and progression towards World Championships and Paralympic qualification.”

In addition to the Para Athlete Barrier Fund, the Para Uplift has established Para Sport Units in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, with similar fit-for-purpose training environments to follow in other state and territories in the coming months.

To learn more about the Para Uplift visit the ASC Website www.ausport.gov.au/winwell/para-uplift

ABOUT THE ASC

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is the Australian Government agency responsible for supporting and investing in sport at all levels. Our role is to increase involvement in sport and enable continued international sporting success through leadership and development of a cohesive and effective sports sector, targeted financial support and the operation of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).