Australia’s Paralympic Games competitors are getting in the last of their on-snow Southern Hemisphere training ahead of next year’s event in Italy. Photo: Paralympics Australia.
With Australia set to possibly field its strongest Winter Olympics team ever, the Paralympic Games squad has received a late $2.06 million boost to its funding.
The federal grant will help fund critical support for athletes, including physiotherapy, travel, equipment and logistical requirements.
Paralympics Australia chief executive Cameron Murray described the injection as a commitment to inclusion, performance and national pride.
“This funding is vital to deliver the complex and wide-ranging support needed for a world-class Winter Games campaign,” he said.
“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.”
As the Southern Hemisphere heads into spring, our athletes are racing to get in the last of their on-snow training before next year’s Paralympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The 2026 Paralympic Games will represent one of Australia’s largest winter contingents with competitors in four categories: para alpine skiing, para snowboard, para cross-country and para biathlon.
This marks the first time Team Australia has fielded a para biathlon team since 2006.
Federal Sport Minister Anika Wells said the funding demonstrated the government’s belief in the potential of the Paralympic movement.
“Milano Cortina 2026 is a critical opportunity to build on Australia’s proud Paralympic legacy and inspire a new generation of Winter Paralympians,” Ms Wells said.
“We aren’t interested in only helping athletes get to the Games; we want them to thrive while there.”
Team Australia will field a strong line-up of athletes, including Beijing Bronze Medallist and Thredbo ambassador Ben Tudhope, making his fourth Paralympic appearance since debuting at 14.
The 2026 Games is set to stage one of Australia’s strongest showings at a Winter Olympics and Paralympics after several athletes have broken world records at international competitions over the last three years.
It comes as Australia has ramped up investment into winter sports, funding the National Snowsports Training Centre in Jindabyne to provide year-round training for athletes.
The Winter Paralympic Games begins on 6 March, featuring 600 athletes competing in six sports.
