AusLeisure

An equity commitment from the Federal Government will see Australia's Para-athletes provided with the same financial incentives for winning medals at the Paris Games as Olympians.

Australia will be represented by 160 athletes in 17 sports at Paris 2024. Gold medallists will be awarded $20,000, silver medallists will receive $15,000 and bronze medallists $10,000. It brings Paralympians in line with Olympic medallists, whose reward payments are funded by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).

Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells made the announcement ahead of the Paris Paralympics Opening Ceremony on 28^th August.

Minister Wells advised "this medal incentive payment is on top of our record-breaking budget funding for Para-sport of $54.9 million in additional investment.

"That is the largest ever funding for Para-sport and helps us develop the next Madi De Rozario and Ellie Cole."

Para-athletes represent Australia with great distinction at the Paralympics. Their performances on the world's biggest stage will drive many Australians, young and old, girls and women, boys and men, to take up a sport or physical activity.

This direct investment in the success of Australia’s Para-athletes follows significant funding announced in the 2024-25 Budget, which provided an additional $54.9 million for Paralympic sport - the single biggest increase in Paralympic investment by an Australian government.

The government's strong support for Paralympic sport extends the Government’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in sport, breaking down barriers and challenging pre-conceived notions about disability.

Paralympics Australia welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to provide financial rewards to Paralympians who win medals at the Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games.

Paralympics Australia President Alison Creagh said the Government’s backing signalled recognition of the dedication required to succeed at Paralympic level.

“This investment by the Australian Government recognises the importance of Paralympic sport in Australia.

“Our Paralympic athletes are role models who inspire the nation and we know they will have Australia cheering them on when they compete in the weeks ahead.

“Paralympics Australia is grateful, particularly to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Minister for Sport Anika Wells, for their commitment to the Paralympic Movement in Australia. Their support ensures that our athletes can continue to achieve greatness and inspire future generations.”

Creagh said confirmation of medal rewards, which were first provided to Paralympians at Tokyo 2020, was a timely boost.

“Knowing that their achievements are valued equally to their Olympic colleagues will give our athletes more confidence and motivation to compete at their best.

“Many of our Paralympians face significant financial strain as they pursue success on the world stage. This support rewards their success and acknowledges the broader challenges they face.”

Tokyo 2020 dual gold medallist Madison de Rozario applauded the announcement ahead of the Opening Ceremony where she will carry the Australian flag along with Para-swimmer Brenden Hall.

“When it was first announced in Tokyo it was so exciting and to know that it’s happening again is gratifying,” de Rozario shared adding “this support tells us as Paralympians that we are valued. It also tells the public that athletes with a disability are equal with non-disabled athletes.

"Paralympians aren't here in Paris for money - we're here in the green-and-gold because of what it means to us to compete for our country."

Image. Credit: Paralympics Australia

Related Articles

21st August 2024 - Technogym spotlights its contribution to 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics as official fitness equipment supplier

16th August 2024 - AIS plans for doubling number of Paralympic coaches ahead of Brisbane 2032

27th July 2024 - AIS Hub supports Australian Olympians and Paralympians in Paris with performance analysis

19th July 2024 - AIS Education Scholarship recipients include Paris bound Olympians and Paralympians

6th July 2024 - Paralympics Australia announces resignation of Chief Executive Catherine Clark

30th April 2024 - First Nations Olympians and Paralympians unveil athlete-drafted plan for Brisbane 2032 and beyond

11th December 2023 - Paralympics Australia calls for action on inclusion, diversity and positive change through sport

5th December 2023 - Three-year partnership announced between Paralympics Australia and McDonald’s

27th October 2023 - Paralympian and accessibility advocate Dylan Alcott headlines Destination Q tourism forum 2023

29th August 2023 - Paralympics Australia announces Paris 2024 partnership with Citibank Australia

27th July 2023 - $1.5 million donated to support Queensland Olympians and Paralympians ahead of Paris 2024

25th July 2023 - Federal Government announces $20 million Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Preparation Fund

26th June 2023 - UQ partners with Paralympics Australia to become para sports hub

30th March 2023 - Swimming Australia appoints Anna Johnson to drive Paralympic Program

29th March 2023 - Paralympian Matt Levy invests in Swimming Australia’s Para High Performance unit

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.