The Albanese Government’s largest ever investment in current and future Paralympians is directly supporting another 144 athletes from 22 sports, who are sharing in more than $427,000 in funding.
Delivered through Para Uplift, the AIS Para Athlete Barrier Fund provides grants of up to $4,000 to support athletes to overcome personal barriers and help them reach new levels of performance.
Funding can be used to help with competition travel costs, carer support, childcare while training or competing, technology or equipment and other essentials.
The grants support Australian Para athletes across a broad spectrum of sports – from taekwondo to table tennis, and from badminton to bowls. Seventeen Para athletes competed at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and 48 are Paralympians.
The latest grants build on $361,000 awarded to 122 athletes from 18 sports last year.
The Albanese Government is delivering the largest ever investment in Australia’s Para sport system, providing $58 million over two years for the Para Uplift to better identify athletes and reduce barriers by improving access to fit-for-purpose training environments, specialised coaching and performance support.
This dedicated funding for Para sports is part of the Government’s record $513 million investment in high performance sport, backing Australian athletes on the road to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games and beyond.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:
“I’m proud of the Albanese Government’s historic investment in high-performance sport, which has doubled support for our Para athletes.
“The AIS Para Athlete Barrier Fund helps our athletes reach for their dreams by helping fund essentials like specialist equipment or technology, travel costs and other carer and childcare support.
“This is another way the Albanese Government is backing Australian athletes to reach their potential, creating a pipeline of extraordinary sporting talent in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 and into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins OAM:
“Every athlete should have the opportunity to focus on what matters most: training, competing and performing at their best. The AIS Para Athlete Barrier Fund helps remove some of the practical and financial challenges that can stand in the way of that journey.
“We want Australia’s Para athletes to have the support they need not just to compete, but to thrive, from Glasgow and LA through to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.”
Quotes attributable to 2026 Para Athlete Barrier Fund recipient, two-time Paralympic sprinter and two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Rhiannon Clarke:
“Receiving this grant has a direct impact on my performance by enabling me to access international competition in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games. Competing in Europe provides exposure to higher level fields and more frequent racing opportunities, which are critical for refining race execution, building consistency, and performing under pressure.
“Reducing the financial burden of travel allows me to focus fully on training, recovery, and competition, which directly supports performance outcomes.”
Quotes attributable to 2026 Para Athlete Barrier Fund recipient, Para bowler and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jacky Hudson:
“The grant has been a game changer in elevating my skills and refining my technique. I have been able to access individualised coaching on a regular basis which has elevated my development and improved by technical and tactical approach to the game.”
Quotes attributable to 2025 Para Athlete Barrier Fund recipient, Paralympian and 2025 World Triathlon Women’s PTS2 Champion Anu Francis:
“This funding was the only reason I was able to afford to travel to the National Road Championships, where I underwent classification and became National Champion in the Road Race and came second in the Time Trial.
“The Para Athlete Barrier Fund has helped me overcome some of the barriers imposed by my disabilities, location and financial situation, and help me to hone my triathlon, cycling, and athletics abilities and race skills that will be essential in defending my world title and world ranking, and in chasing the podium at the LA 2028 Paralympic Games.”
Quotes attributable to 2025 Para Athlete Barrier Fund recipient and three-time Winter Paralympic medal winning snowboarder Ben Tudhope:
“As a snowboarder competing at the highest level for many years, I’ve faced a number of unique and ongoing challenges, particularly as an athlete with a disability living far from key training and competition environments.
“Knowing that I have the backing to train and compete properly helps reduce stress, improve confidence and boost motivation during long periods away from home. This grant helps provide the stability and tools I need to not only maintain my current level of performance but continue to grow, push boundaries, and represent Australia with pride.”
