Federal Government Investment Powers Australia’s Push to 2026 Winter Paralympic Glory

Mountainwatch |Press Release

The Federal Government’s strong and continued backing of the Australian Paralympic Movement has been applauded by Paralympics Australia after $2.068 million in new funding was announced to support the 2026 Australian Paralympic Winter Team.

Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells confirmed the investment as part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to provide certainty and opportunity for Australian Paralympians to succeed on the world stage.

The funding, announced by Minister Wells on Sunday at an event in the NSW Snowy Mountains attended by several Winter Paralympic hopefuls, will enable a comprehensive and athlete-focused approach to the delivery of the Australian Team for next year’s Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

It will ensure the team’s high-performance, operational, medical, logistical and communications needs are met – helping athletes perform at their best when it matters most.

“This $2.058m investment reflects the Albanese Government’s deep belief in the power and potential of the Australian Paralympic Movement,” Minister Wells said.

“Milano Cortina 2026 is a critical opportunity to build on Australia’s proud Paralympic legacy and inspire a new generation of Winter Paralympians. We aren’t interested in only helping athletes get to the Games, we want them to thrive while there.

“This funding ensures our athletes have the support they need to prepare, perform and shine on the global stage and strive for gold in Italy. In our first term, the Albanese Government invested $55m into Paralympic high performance – the largest commitment a government has ever made.”

Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Cameron Murray said the announcement was another powerful demonstration of the Government’s commitment to inclusion, performance and national pride.

“On behalf of Paralympics Australia and our Winter athletes, I thank Minister Wells and the Albanese Government for once again stepping up for our Movement,” Mr Murray said.

“This funding is vital to deliver the complex and wide-ranging support needed for a world-class Winter Games campaign. From outfitting and medical services to athlete wellbeing, village operations and critical logistics – every aspect of our team’s preparation and performance has been considered.

“It allows us to maintain our competitive edge in the highly demanding Winter Games environment and ensures our athletes can focus fully on achieving their goals and representing our country with distinction.”

The investment will support Paralympics Australia to plan, secure and deliver the following core functions for Milano Cortina 2026, including sports medicine services such as physiotherapy, nutrition and psychology, comprehensive travel arrangements for athletes and their equipment, the procurement of strategically located village and out-of-village accommodation and other extensive operational and logistical requirements.

Mr Murray said the support will ensure that PA can take a holistic approach to preparing and supporting its Winter Team.

“It’s not just about getting athletes to the Games, we must do everything we can to make sure our athletes arrive in peak condition, with the tools and team around them to perform at their best,” Mr Murray said.

“We’re grateful for Minister Wells’ leadership and for the Federal Government’s sustained and meaningful investment in Para-sport. This announcement alongside the broader Para System Uplift initiative, these are some of the meaningful ways in which the Government is prioritising the Paralympic Movement and recognising the broad impact that it makes.

“As we continue our path to Milano Cortina 2026 and look further ahead to Brisbane 2032, this kind of support is essential for maintaining momentum, developing our athlete pathways and showcasing the very best of Australian talent on the global stage.”

Australia is aiming to take one of its largest ever Australian Teams to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Paralympic Games next March and will compete in four sports for the first time: Para-alpine skiing, Para-snowboard, Para-cross country, and Para-biathlon.

The Winter Paralympic Games begin on 6 March.