New para sport unit to boost inclusion and pathways for athletes with disability
We recently launched the NT para sport unit, an initiative under our Northern Territory Sports Academy, to give athletes with disability more opportunities to take part in sport and achieve their goals.
Our new unit is the sixth of its kind in Australia, joining programs in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia as part of the national Para Uplift initiative.
Manager of the NT Para Sport Unit, Jodie Zanini, said the new unit will give NT para athletes the best chance of representing not only the Northern Territory, but Australia on the world stage
The new unit is designed to:
- identify and support local talent, regardless of location or experience level
- remove barriers to Para sport participation
- create inclusive pathways, from grassroots community involvement to elite-level competition.
The Territory has a proud paralympic history, with Territorian athletes competing and excelling on the national and international stage. Creating this unit honours this legacy while building a stronger, more inclusive future in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.
NT Para Sport Unit manager, Jodie Zanini said the launch represents a huge step forward for Territory athletes.
"We’re excited about the new unit and developing the next generation of para athletes. The new unit will give NT para athletes the best chance of representing not only the Northern Territory, but Australia on the world stage leading up to and beyond the Brisbane 2032 Paralympics," Jodie said.
We are delivering the program in partnership with Paralympics Australia and the Australian Sports Commission, giving athletes in the Territory access to national expertise and opportunities.
Our para sport unit will strengthen the Territory’s contribution to Australia’s Paralympic success, while promoting inclusion, community participation, and recognition of people with disability across all levels of sport.
Information on current para programs is available at Northern Territory Sports Academy | Department of People, Sport and Culture.
