The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has increased direct investment into Paralympic sport by more than $3 million that will benefit 13 sporting programs.
Australian Sports Commission chair John Wylie said the funding delivers clarity for the postponed Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, the 2022 Winter Paralympics and the 2022 Commonwealth Games. It is also a springboard towards Paris 2024.
“Since 2012, the ASC has increased funding to Paralympic sports by 40 per cent. Paralympic sports in Australia now receive an equal or greater share of AIS funding on a comparable basis to other major Olympic and Paralympic nations,” Wylie said.
ASC commissioner and Paralympian Kurt Fearnley said the funding announcement was vital for the future recognition and growth of Paralympic sport.
“It is 20 years since the Sydney 2000 Paralympics, which helped create an incredible legacy for Paralympic sport in Australia. A key feature of this Paralympic funding is that it’s being directed straight to national sporting organisations so sports can take real ownership in developing their Paralympic programs.”
The 13 Paralympic programs receiving an increase in funding are: archery, athletics, basketball, bowls, cycling, paddle, equestrian, rowing, rugby, triathlon, table tennis, shooting and swimming.