Athlete Program

Para-Sport

Program overview

The Para-Sport Program is a scholarship program that enhances the development of talented para-sport athletes in the South East region of NSW. The program is offered in partnership with Paralympics Australia (PA) and will focus on removing barriers for Para-athletes. The program aims to complement and elevate an athlete’s current training program between October 2023 to June 2024.

Scholarships will be awarded based on based on merit in consultation with Paralympics Australia and the NSO /SSO.

Scholarship benefits

Para-Sport scholarship athletes will be provided with:

Athlete education opportunities including camp.
Strength & Conditioning support
Connection to local health providers
Where available, access to development opportunities with SESA partners.

Athlete eligibility

To be eligible for a SESA Individual Athlete Scholarship, athletes must satisfy the following criteria:

Reside or attend school within the South East Region of NSW
Be turning 13 – 18 years of age in 2024 (Due to the nature of Parasport 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 RAS in consultation with PA)
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 classification or provisional classification
Show appropriate talent potential* within their Para-sport (as determined by
the NSO and PA) and meet minimum-level performance outcomes such as
performance at state or national competitions
* Please note: Talent potential refers to an athlete having the potential to progress to Emerging/Developing Categorisation within two years. Factors such as classification, current level of categorisation, age, and projected development may be considered to determine 'talent potential' through NSO and PA.
Be prepared to attend SESA education sessions

Conditions of scholarship

SESA Para-Sport Scholarship holders are expected to:

Be committed and prepared to work toward improving performance
Be committed to a holistic approach to athlete development
Not take or use performance enhancing drugs or illegal drugs or participate in other activities that are prohibited by the South East Sports Academy Code of Conduct
Adhere to SESA policies and relevant Paralympics Australia policies and by-laws
Behave and dress in a professional and dignified manner when representing SESA
$100 uniform levy (mandatory in 2023 for new SESA uniform). Uniform items can be purchased in subsequent years but not compulsory if uniform is still in good condition