Blind Sports Australia secures Win Well & Play Well investment from ASC
Blind Sports Australia welcomes the Australian Sports Commission (ASC)’s announcement of the Australian Government’s $513 million investment in sport, strengthening support for athletes to perform on the world stage on the road to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
Historic funding for Para sport will be maintained for a further two years with $54.9 million going towards better classification opportunities for Para athletes, access to fit-for-purpose training environments, and specialised coaching and performance support.
More than 150 new Para athletes were uncovered in the first 12 months of the Para Uplift with Para sport units also established in every state and territory.
The investment gives athletes, coaches and staff the opportunity to achieve their full potential by providing:
- high performance funding for 68 sport programs over the next two years;
- continuation of direct athlete support (dAIS) to help with daily living and training expenses;
- historic increase for Australia’s Winter Olympians and Paralympians with Curling Australia, Biathlon Australia, and Ice Racing Australia all receiving high performance funding for the first time;
- $102.8 million annual grant funding, free support services, and subsidised access to AIS facilities the ASC provides to national sporting organisations and high performance athletes.
A total of 58 sporting organisations, including Blind Sports Australia, will receive Play Well (participation) funding to help create safe, welcoming, inclusive and fun sporting environments. Over the next year, $50.5 million has been committed for the Sporting Schools program and other participation initiatives.
Blind Sports Australia CEO Felicity Wilkeson said it was great to see its funding for both PlayWell and WinWell confirmed to support the growth of blind sports programs across the country.
“The continued investment in our Paralympic sports—goalball and blind football— is a strong endorsement of the progress our athletes and programs have made and provides the resources needed to build sustained long-term success.
“We thank the Federal Government, the Australian Sports Commission and Australian Institute of Sport for their support, which has been instrumental in establishing these strong foundations, allowing our teams to compete consistently on the international stage and driving measurable growth and performance improvements.
With clear ambition and purpose, our programs are fostering greater inclusivity across the blind sports community while building a lasting legacy for future goalball and blind football athletes.
ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said the investment is a huge sign of confidence in Australian sport and the system’s united commitment to Win Well and deliver elite performances in exceptional environments.
“On behalf of the Australian sports system, I’d like to thank the Australian Government, particularly Sports Minister Anika Wells, for their continued investment and for backing our athletes who inspire our nation,” he said.
“No one backs our Aussie athletes like the Australian Government and this investment provides the platform for our athletes to perform at their best on the world stage.
“The united approach behind the Win Well Strategy has resulted in some extraordinary results on the world stage.
“As we build towards Brisbane 2032 and beyond, a collaborative approach will continue to deliver many magical moments that will make Australians proud.”
