The Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) and New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) are proud to announce the extension of their ongoing partnership through the launch of the Regional Para Unit Partnership for 2025–2027. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the shared commitment to identifying and developing the next generation of Paralympic athletes across regional New South Wales.
Already underway, the Regional Para Unit Partnership builds on the strong foundation of collaboration between NSWIS, RAS and Paralympics Australia (PA), aiming to remove barriers and elevate training environments for Para athletes in regional communities.
“This partnership is a game changer for regional Para athletes,” said Mark Calverley, Chief Operating Officer of RAS, “It ensures that talent is nurtured regardless of postcode, and that athletes with Paralympic potential receive the support they need to thrive.”
A central focus is on identifying and connecting pre-categorised Para athletes and collaborating closely with National Sporting Organisations and National Sporting Organisations for People with Disability (NSO/D) and State Sporting Organisations and State Sporting Organisations for People with Disability (SSO/D) partners to identify, connect and support those with the potential to achieve Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) categorisation within two years, with regional academies and local performance teams. This connection aims to prepare athletes to be NSWIS ready by the time they reach categorisation. Similarly, emerging and developing categorised Para athletes will be supported to progress to podium potential status, with tailored development pathways and access to regional resources.
The partnership also seeks to build staff capability within regional academies by providing education and hands on experience in Paralympic sport classification, talent identification, equipment use and innovation. Additionally, NSWIS and RAS will collaborate to plan and deliver regional talent identification and development camps, fostering a stronger pipeline of future Paralympic athletes.
The partnership will support athletes via training agreements, with NSWIS and RAS each contributing funding and resources to ensure athletes receive high-performance services, including strength and conditioning, performance health advice, and access to expert coaching.
“As a result of this partnership, NSWIS is able to scale up its Para Unit provisions for regional Para athletes and build on the legacy of the Paralympics Australia Pathways Academy Program.” Said Marrianne Loh, Head of Para Unit of NSWIS.
This agreement includes support from the Central Coast Academy of Sport, Hunter Academy of Sport, North Coast Academy of Sport, Northern Inland Academy of Sport, South West Sydney Academy of Sport, Southern Sports Academy, Western Region Academy of Sport, and Western Sydney Academy of Sport.
This renewed collaboration reflects a shared vision to empower regional Para athletes and strengthen the Paralympic pathway in NSW.
For any media enquiries please contact:
Bianca Wellings
Communications & Marketing Manager – Regional Academies of Sport
[email protected]
0413 976 707
