Seven-time Paralympian, Liesl Tesch MP.

26 March 2025

 

MEMBER for Gosford and seven-time Paralympian, Liesl Tesch MP says the funding will be a game-changer for para-athletes, “It is so exciting to see the Minns Labor government investing in world-class, high-performance facilities that are dedicated to fostering para-athletic talent.

 

“This commitment will provide well-resourced, dedicated pathways and specialist para-coaching and services, which will enable athletes with disabilities to further develop their skills and reach their full potential."

 

The NSWIS Para Unit will create opportunities for holistic development and progression focusing on increased participation in sport, and the number of NSW athletes selected to compete for Australia at major international para events.

 

The funding will be used to:

 

Break down the 160 systemic barriers that have been identified as deterring potential para-athletes from entering, and progressing, in sport.

 

Guide more para-athletes into sport to increase participation numbers and, consequently, the talent pool for international sport.

 

Identify talent.

 

Employ specialised para-coaches and support staff.

 

Increase opportunities to gain classifications to compete nationally and internationally, and to enter high performance pathways.

 

Assist para-athletes to overcome the difficulties they encounter when travelling to domestic and international competitions.

 

Ms Tesch says that the creation of the NSWIS Para Unit will go a long way in breaking down systemic barriers for para-athletes, “I have experienced first-hand the honour and privilege of representing Australia on the world stage at the Paralympics, and it is my hope that by making sports more accessible and investing in our para-athletes, we can continue to inspire current and future young athletes to do the same.”

 

Paralympic Athletics and Alpine Skier, Rae Anderson commented on the importance of this announcement. Ms Anderson said “As a Paralympian and World Cup medallist with the Para Matildas, I know just how much of an impact that facilities such as these can have, often determining if young para-athletes enter and progress in sport.

 

“Supporting our aspiring young athletes to reach their full potential is so important, and I am thrilled to see this investment in the future of Australian sport.”

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