The NSW Government has today committed $750,000 to Paralympics Australia to support athletes competing at next year's Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, matching a commitment made to the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) National Team Appeal in March.
The funding reaffirms NSW's commitment to backing athletes with disabilities and reflects the state's unwavering dedication to promoting the Paralympic movement and recognising the outstanding accomplishments of all Australian athletes.
The financial support will contribute to covering the escalating operational costs of helping the Australian Paralympic team achieve its sporting dream, including flights, accommodation, meals, uniforms and medical services.
The Paralympic Games provide an opportunity for people with motor disabilities, sensory disabilities or intellectual disabilities to achieve sporting excellence, entertain crowds of spectators and showcase their skills across a range of sports, from wheelchair tennis and wheelchair basketball to para swimming, para athletics and para equestrian.
The Games will be held in France over 12 days, from 28 August - 8 September 2024 and bring together 4,400 athletes competing across 549 events.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
"It is a great honour to support our National Paralympic team as it prepares to represent Australia at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Our fantastic Paralympic team is gearing up to represent Australia in 19 out of the 22 sports.
"The Australian Paralympics team deserve the very same support as any other athlete who represents our nation, and we're proud to play a small part in helping them to make a mark on the greatest stage of all.
"Our $750,000 commitment matches the grant we provided the AOC and will support athletes, coaches, and staff as they go for gold next August and September.
"The grant will ensure our athletes have the necessary tools and facilities to excel in their respective events in Paris."
Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:
"The Paralympics unites our nation and the world, and our courageous, dedicated, and remarkable athletes are an inspiration to us all.
"We know this funding will help our Paralympic athletes achieve their dreams in Paris and inspire the next generation of sporting heroes.
"Along with this funding, we are sending our best wishes to every single Paralympian as they pursue their dreams.
"Know that all of Australia is behind you and cheering you on from loungerooms across the country, along with those lucky ones in the stands!"
Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion Liesl Tesch said:
"As a former Paralympian who did years of fundraising to support my athletic career, I know Paralympians across NSW welcome this contribution towards chasing their dreams in Paris.
"I can't wait to see the Australian Paralympian team at the Opening Ceremony of Paris 2024, knowing the NSW Government is supporting athletes every step of the way, as they go out in the green and gold.
"Best wishes to all our Paralympians and support staff - know that we will be cheering for you from home."
Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Catherine Clark said:
"On behalf of our elite Para-athletes and Paralympics Australia, I'd like to thank the NSW Government, particularly the Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Sport Steve Kamper and the Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington, for this very generous and vital injection of funds for our Paris Paralympic Games campaign.
"Delivering an Australian Team of some 170 athletes, along with coaches, team managers, carers, medical experts and Paralympics Australia's outstanding operational staff is an enormous undertaking and there are, of course, substantial costs involved.
"The NSW Government's contribution, equal to its support for Paris-bound able-bodied athletes, is a strong statement of belief in our Australian Paralympic Team and the power of sport to create meaningful change across society."
