Mini Paralympics helping build pathways for Territory para-athletes
The 2026 Alice Springs Mini Paralympics has helped continue efforts to identify and support the Northern Territory’s next generation of para-athletes on the pathway to the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.
Led by the Northern Territory Sports Academy (NTSA), the Alice Springs event brought together school-aged children with disability and their peers for a day of inclusive, Paralympic-style sport at the Pat Gallagher Netball Centre on 1 April.
Participants had the opportunity to try a range of sports, including:
- wheelchair basketball
- boccia
- seated volleyball
- badminton
- athletics.
The Mini Paralympics supports participation, skill development and confidence-building, while also expanding access to inclusive sport and strengthening pathways into ongoing participation, local clubs and elite development programs.
The program also plays an important talent identification role, with participants showing strong potential able to progress into the NTSA Para Futures Program, supporting long-term development toward national and international competition.
The impact of the program is already being seen, with Alice Springs participant Quade Stone identified for the Para Futures Program and now progressing along a pathway toward the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.
Darwin Mini Paralympics 2026
A Darwin Mini Paralympics event is scheduled for 29 July 2026.
For more information, keep an eye on the DPSC Facebook page.
A participant at the Alice Springs Mini Paralympics.
Mini Paralympics participants playing walking basketball.
