Para Sports

2026

The Para Sports Program will focus on removing barriers for Para-athletes in regional areas by offering access strength & conditioning support, education, and additional targeted development opportunities. The program will aim to complement and elevate an athlete’s current training program.

The purpose of the Para-Sports Program is to:

  • Identify and connect pre-categorised Para-athletes (with potential to progress to Emerging/Developing Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Categorisation within 2 years) to athlete servicing and support provided through the RAS, with the goal of supporting athletes to be National Institute Network (NIN) ready by the time they achieve categorisation.
  • Enhance the RAS’s knowledge of Paralympic sport classification, pathways & talent identification, equipment, and Para-sport innovation, through education & hands-on experience opportunities facilitated by PA.
  • Be turning 13-18 years old in 2024. (Due to the nature of Para-sport and some athletes acquiring their impairment after the age of 18, special consideration may be given to athletes outside the eligible age, subject to the approval of RAS in consultation with PA).
  • Be representing one (or more) of the 28 Para-sports and events competed at the Paralympic Games. https://www.paralympic.org.au/play-para-sport/
  • Have an eligible physical, vision, and/or intellectual impairment for Para-sport, based on previous national or provisional classification. https://www.paralympic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/PA_Para-Sport_WhatImpairments_A4_new_May23.pdf
  • Be representing at a state or national level within their Para-sport or show appropriate talent potential as determined by the NSO for their sport and Paralympic Australia.
  • Must be living or attending a school within the catchment area of their RAS while the program is being conducted.

Our Para Sports Partners

Our Platinum Partners