AIS celebrates launch of QAS Para Sport Unit

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has welcomed the official launch of the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) Para Sport Unit, a facility designed to help make Brisbane 2032 the country’s most successful Paralympic Games in history.

Backed by $2.125 million from the AIS, $2 million from the Queensland Government, and further investment from Paralympics Australia, the QAS Unit is the second of its kind in the country, following the launch of the South Australian Institute of Sport (SASI) Para Unit in December.

The Para Sport Units, which are being established at sport institutes and academies across the country, are part of the Australian Government’s biggest ever Paralympic spend to address 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 lead-up to our home Games in Brisbane 2032 provides a generational opportunity to create a legacy in sport as well as reshape how all Australians look at disability in this country.

“The Albanese Government is determined to ensure we have more Australians who live with a disability participating in sport as we know that while three in four people with a disability want to play sport, unfortunately only one in four are able to take part.

“We are proud our record investment in our Paralympians, doubling previous funding, creates even more pathways for Queenslanders to wear the green and gold at our home Games in Brisbane in eight years’ time.”

Australian Sports Commission Executive General Manager of AIS Performance Matti Clements said:“The Australian Institute of Sport, the National Institute Network, sport and Paralympics Australia are all aligned on the desire to get the results our Paralympic team deserves as we look towards LA 2028, Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

“The work to achieve our best ever Paralympics in Brisbane needs to happen now and thanks to the Australian’s Government’s record investment in Para-sport, we are confident we can not only make that happen but ensure sustainable sporting success that will inspire and motivate Australians to win well for generations to come.”

The Para Sport Units form part of the national Para Uplift, an initiative born from the Win Well High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy to address the 160 systemic barriers to entry and progression for Para-athletes, which include access to classification and high performance pathways, a lack of experienced coaches and access to national and international competitions.

To learn more about the Win Well Strategy and Para Uplift, visit www.winwell2032.au