The Tasmanian Institute of Sport (TIS) has partnered with Paralympics Australia (PA) to develop Para-sport pathways within the state, with the aim to provide more targeted support for developing and emerging Tasmanian Para-athletes and coaches.
The project has been made possible through funding from Communities, Sport & Recreation Tasmania.
The project consists of three programs:
Para-Sport Talent Academy: Provides a development opportunity for talented Tasmanian Para-athletes not yet categorised by their sport, assisting them to progress to this level. Athletes will be supported through a Para-talent scholarship and engage in activities conducted by the TIS and Paralympics Australia.
Para-Sport Junior Talent Program: A talent ID opportunity for talented junior Tasmanian Para-athletes, exposing them to the high-performance environment. Participants will be exposed to elite level training facilities and sessions to develop their knowledge of basic strength & conditioning, performance habits and will connect them with former Paralympic and scholarship athletes.
The Junior Talent Program kicked off the project. The first session for the program was held at the beginning of February. Athletes participated in an introductory strength and conditioning session, followed by a presentation from three-time Paralympian, wheelchair athletics athlete, Sam McIntosh (T52 100m & 400m). TIS Para-archer Kevin Faulkner also joined the session sharing his experience and knowledge.
Featured image above: Para-archer Kevin Faulkner, S&C Coach Annabelle Anderson, working with junior para-athletes.
Para-Sport Coach Development Program: Will provide structured development and mentoring opportunities for current, new and identified Tasmanian Para-sport coaches aiming to build the capacity of the sector and its coaches to develop Para-sport athletes in the future.
