Barriers broken for Para-athletes

More than 100 Para-athletes including snowsport 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/

Snowsport athletes Ben Tudhope, Aaron McCarthy, Ethan Jackson, Josh Hanlon, Georgia Gunew and Sean Pollard are among the 123 athletes across 19 sports to benefit.

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