With six years to go until the Paralympic Games kicks off in Brisbane, Queensland’s home of high-performance sport, QSAC has celebrated with some of the next generation’s rising Para-athletes.
In the past year, Queensland Academy of Sport’s dedicated Para Unit has identified 64 athletes across 18 sports, with 35 already competing at national level and 15 competing internationally.
Speaking from the athletes’ training home QSAC, Paralympics Australia CEO Cameron Murray said QSAC, QAS, and Queensland as a whole are leading the nation when it comes to inclusivity.
“Our ambition is to build the most successful era of parasport in Australia’s history, and strengthening our Para sport system requires a shared vision to deliver the outcomes we want,” Mr Murray said.
“The Queensland Para Unit is a shining example of what can happen when we’re working together to break down some of the barriers that have held back Para sport for too long.”
The milestone follows Queensland’s most successful Commonwealth Games campaign, with 20 QAS-supported Para athletes competing and 14 bringing home medals.
Paralympian and Queenslander Raissa Martin said the QAS facilities at QSAC are integral to the success of Australia’s Olympians and Paralympians.
“It’s great to be able to do all my gym programming and rehab with dedicated support right here at QSAC, so I feel lucky to be based here,” Ms Martin said.
“Having accessible gyms and facilities is the number one factor for success for Para-athletes; without facilities like this, you just wouldn’t have Para-athletes.”