Para Sports
Nominations for the 2026 program will open soon
The NCAS Para Sports program is delivered in partnership with Paralympics Australia and the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) network.
The NCAS Para Sports program focuses on removing barriers for para-athletes in regional areas by offering Academy Scholarships to access strength & conditioning support, education, and additional targeted development opportunities.
Program Partners
Program Benefits
The purpose of the Para Sports program is to:
- Identify and support pre‑categorised Para‑athletes with potential to reach Emerging or Developing AIS Categorisation within two years
- Connect athletes to NCAS performance services and development support
- Prepare athletes to be National Institute Network (NIN) ready by the time they achieve categorisation
- Provide individualised, needs‑based support for each selected athlete
Athlete Eligibility
Program Eligibility Criteria
Athletes must:
- Be turning 13-18 years old in 2026. (Due to the nature of Para sport and some athletes acquiring their impairment after the age of 18, special consideration may be given to athletes outside the eligible age, subject to the approval of NIAS in consultation with Paralympics Australia).
- Be representing one (or more) of the 28 Para-sports and events competed at the Paralympic Games.
- Have an eligible physical, vision, and/or intellectual impairment for Para-sport, based on previous national or provisional classification
- Be representing at a state or national level within their Para-sport or show appropriate talent potential as determined by the National Sporting Organisation (NSO) for their sport and Paralympics Australia.
- Reside in one of the following LGAs: Tweed, Byron, Lismore, Ballina, Kyogle, Richmond River, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca, Kempsey and Port Macquarie-Hastings.
