Record support for Para-athletes grows in NT

Para-athletes from the Top End have more access to support and training than ever before following the launch of the new Para Sport Unit in Darwin – the sixth to come online across the nation in the past seven months. 

Backed by $754,500 from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), and further investment from Northern Territory Government and Paralympics Australia, the Northern Territory Sports Academy (NTSA) Para Sport Unit joins a growing national network of facilities, thanks to the Australian Government’s historic funding increase of Para-sport. 

The Australian Government has invested an additional $54.9 million in Para-sport, doubling existing support to create the Para Uplift, which is addressing better classification opportunities, access to fit-for-purpose training environments, and specialised coaching and performance support in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games. 

Minister for Sport the Hon Anika Wells said the impact the Para Uplift has already had on athletes can’t be understated. 

“The Albanese Government is proud to continue our commitment to ensuring more Australians with a disability can pursue their sporting dreams,” Minister Wells said. 

“The launch of the Northern Territory Para Sport Unit continues our record investment in Paralympic sport and as the sixth facility to open, we are fast moving towards a world-leading national network of support for our Para-athletes.” 

Para Sport Units have already been established at the South Australian Sports Institute, Victorian Institute of Sport, New South Wales Institute of Sport, Queensland Academy of Sport and Western Australian Institute of Sport, with facilities in development in Tasmania and the ACT. 

Australian Sports Commission Executive General Manager of AIS Performance Matti Clements said the units and the Para Uplift are creating an incredible legacy for Australian sport. 

“The Para Uplift is a game changer for sport in this country. Not only is it creating an environment of equal opportunity for all athletes, but through the power of sport we are reshaping how all Australians look at disability,” Ms Clements said. 

“None of this would be possible without the support of the Australian Government and Minister Wells, whose belief in high performance sport’s vision to Win Well will allow our current and future Paralympians to reach their full potential and help us achieve our goal of making Brisbane our most successful ever Games.” 

Paralympics Australia CEO Cameron Murray added: “The Northern Territory has a proud Paralympic history, dating back to the late Mark Davies, a five-time Paralympian in athletics and, in 1984, the winner of two gold medals. 

“Now, we move into a new era where current and possibly future Paralympians will have a dedicated and well-resourced Para-sport hub that provides them the resources they need to achieve their potential.  

“Paralympics Australia is proud to work with the Federal and Territory Governments and we thank both governments for their generous contributions and for truly grasping the value of a strong Para-sport system here and right around the country.” 

The Para Uplift was born from the Win Well Strategy, which is a united commitment from 62 sports and sporting organisations to prioritise wellbeing in order to create a culture of sustainable success in the leadup to Brisbane 2032 and beyond. 

To learn more about the Win Well Strategy and the Para Uplift, visit the Australian Sports Commission website: www.ausport.gov.au/winwell