- Queensland Academy of Sport Para Unit increases to record number of Para-athletes.
- 24 new Para-athletes join the program as Queensland strengthens its Paralympic pathway ahead of 2032.
- The Crisafulli Government is backing the next generation of Para-athletes across Queensland and delivering a Games for all of Queensland after 1200 days of Labor chaos.
The Crisafulli Government is strengthening Queensland's Paralympic pathway, with the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) Para Unit welcoming its largest ever Para-athlete cohort.
An additional 24 Para-athletes completed their first training session this week, joining existing Para Unit members.
The latest intake brings the total number of Para-athletes identified through the program to 64 across 18 sports, with 50 athletes currently being supported through the Para Unit pathway.
The Crisafulli Government launched the initiative in partnership with the Australian Institute of Sport and Paralympics Australia, with the aim of doubling Queensland's pipeline of Para-athletes ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Para-athletes identified through the program are already competing at national and international levels, including Paralympic Para-Alpine Skier Georgia Gunew.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the 2026 Para-athlete intake marked a major milestone for Para sport in the Queensland.
"The QAS Para Unit is already helping pave the way for Australian dominance in Para sport, igniting the dreams of the next generation and inspiring them to follow in the footsteps of Paralympic champions," Minister Mander said.
"We want Queensland to be a world leader in Para sport, and that starts with building strong pathways, identifying talent early, and giving Para-athletes they support they need."
"We are confident we can not only deliver success on the world stage but build a legacy that lasts well beyond 2032."
Queensland Academy of Sport CEO Troy Ayres said the new intake reflects both the scale of Queensland's talent and the impact of targeted identification programs.
"This is the largest Para Unit cohort we've had at the Queensland Academy of Sport, with athletes from across South-East Queensland and regional communities," Mr Ayres said.
"It includes a strong group of emerging talent identified through the YouFor2032 Talent Search, driven by RACQ, program."
The Para Unit, delivered in partnership with The Queensland Government, the Australian Institute of Sport and Paralympics Australia, is designed to reduce long-standing barriers to participation and progression, strengthen talent pathways and develop world-class Para-sport coaches.
