New TIS Para Unit to uncover future Paralympic champions

The next generation of Paralympic athletes have been backed in by the Tasmanian Government, with the Tasmanian Institute of Sport’s Para Unit launched today.

Minister for Sport, Nick Duigan, said the Government had delivered the state’s first dedicated Para Unit which expands support for para-athletes in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.

“It will double the number of athletes on full scholarships from four to eight and provide tailored development opportunities for para-sport coaches,” Minister Duigan said.

“Underpinning this, the TIS Para Unit will double its Talent Program numbers from 10 athletes to 20 by 2026.

“The launch is a significant milestone for Tasmanian sport. This is the first time the TIS will have a dedicated Para Unit, and it represents a huge opportunity for Tasmanian para-athletes.

“By doubling the capacity of our talent program, we are opening doors for more athletes to access the training, coaching and health expertise they need to perform at their best.

“This initiative is about finding and developing our future Paralympic champions right here in Tasmania and giving them every chance to succeed among the world’s best.”

The Unit has been developed in partnership with the Australian Institute of Sport and Paralympics Australia.

Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Cameron Murray said Paralympics Australia is excited to support the launch of the Tasmanian Institute of Sport’s Para Sport Unit.

“We can share our experience and knowledge to help strengthen pathways for athletes with a disability," Mr Murray said.

"We thank the Federal and Tasmanian Governments for their commitment and for recognising the vital role of a well-supported Para-sport system, both here in Tasmania and nationally.

“We know the barriers people with a disability can face when it comes to getting involved in sport and pursuing their potential at the highest level.

“The creation of a dedicated Para Sport Unit at the TIS will help remove many of those barriers, provide real opportunities for progress and add to Tasmania’s proud record of Paralympic achievement.”

The Tasmanian Government has committed $440,000 over the next two financial years to support the program, alongside an additional $880,500 from the Australian Government through the AIS and Paralympics Australia.

Federal Minister for Sport Annika Wells said the Para Uplift is changing the game for people with a disability.

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

“Our record investment in Para sport is creating even more pathways for athletes to proudly represent our country at our home Games in Brisbane in seven years’ time.”

Minister Duigan said we are delivering for Tasmanians with this program supporting athletes and building a stronger pathway for para-sport in our state.

“We are proud to partner with the Australian Institute of Sport and Paralympics Australia to deliver a program that will support more Tasmanian athletes, coaches and specialists, and ensure our state is well represented at future Paralympic Games,” Minister Duigan said.