Australia launches Para-Sport Draft

"The Para-Sports Draft aims to introduce more people into Paralympic sport and is focusing on people between the ages of 15-30"

In a joint initiative between the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), applications for the Para-Sports Draft are now open.

The Para-Sports Draft aims to introduce more people into Paralympic sport and is focusing on people between the ages of 15-30 with cerebral palsy and other neurological-type impairments, such as multiple sclerosis or an acquired brain injury.

The AIS Para-Sports Draft will initially focus on the recruitment of new para-athletes into the targeted sports of athletics, cycling and swimming; canoeing, rowing, shooting, triathlon, table tennis, boccia, alpine skiing and para-snowboarding.

Potential athletes are asked to express their interest, and, if they make it through the initial phase, they will then be invited to attend state-based selection trials.

Successful athletes at the selection trials will be provided an opportunity to link with a coach in their area and commence a 12-month training programme supported by the AIS, APC and relevant national sporting organisation.

Based on the success of similar talent transfer and recruitment programmes, the AIS and APC are excited by the potential contribution this programme could make to future Australia’s Winning Edge performance targets heading into Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

Matt Favier, AIS Director, said: “It’s pleasing to see national sporting organisations, the Australian Paralympic Committee, the AIS and numerous other stakeholders working closely to find athletes who may be able to transfer their skills, knowledge and winning ways into Paralympic sports.

For more information and to register, please visit the Australian Sports Commission website, or for further explanation about the Para-Sports Draft, watch this video [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrQV-Vrgzcg] by six-time Paralympian Hamish McDonald.