Paralympics boost for Australia

“I believe Para sport and Para athletes have come of age in Australia. The growing appreciation and respect for our Paralympians and the desire for greater equity and inclusion of Para sport becomes more evident every day. This support will help to continue our wave of momentum heading towards Tokyo 2020 and beyond, so the benefits of sport continue to expand for people with disability, and ultimately lead to greater equity in all areas of life.”

Australia’s Federal Government has delivered a major boost to the preparations of their Para athletes ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the announcement of AUD 12 million (EUR 7.5 million) in new funding.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said an AUD 8 million investment from his Government will help to effectively manage the planning, coordination and delivery of the Australian Paralympic Team aiming for success in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister made the announcement in Sydney at an event to launch the new Paralympics Australia brand, formerly known as the Australian Paralympic Committee.

Prime Minister Morrison said “This new investment from the Federal Government will assist with the significant costs associated with delivering an Australian team of this size and complexity to the world’s premier event for athletes with a disability. It also recognises the Australian Paralympic Team’s unique and burgeoning place within Australian sport and the value it brings to the Australian people".

“I am proud that the Australian Government will be the key partner in ensuring the Australian Paralympic Team has the best possible chance to shine on the world stage in Tokyo. Our Paralympic hopefuls can now prepare with confidence, knowing the funds and support that they need and deserve to represent our country are secure.”

Paralympics Australia President Jock O’Callaghan said the funding boost and the re-branding to Paralympics Australia completed an historic day for the Australian Paralympic movement.

“This new investment is a resounding vote of confidence from the Federal Government in the ability of Paralympics Australia to deliver an outstanding return on investment and it confirms the evolving position of Paralympic sport within Australian society,” O’Callaghan said.

“I believe Para sport and Para athletes have come of age in Australia. The growing appreciation and respect for our Paralympians and the desire for greater equity and inclusion of Para sport becomes more evident every day.

“This support will help to continue our wave of momentum heading towards Tokyo 2020 and beyond, so the benefits of sport continue to expand for people with disability, and ultimately lead to greater equity in all areas of life.”