Future elite coaches boost Paralympic talent in lead up to Brisbane 2032

The first cohort of 10 coaches have had their first day in an exclusive program to help develop more Paralympic champions in the lead up to the 2032 Games.

The Queensland Academy of Sport’s (QAS) Gen 2032 ‘Project Para’ Coach Development Program is designed to support and train coaches who can nurture the next generation of Paralympic talent. The tailored four-year program offers employment and education in partnership with Para sports including athletics, swimming, table tennis and cycling.

QAS General Manager Troy Ayres said: “This is a historic time for Queensland sport, and these inductees represent a new generation of coaches ready to lead the future of Para sport. We’re proud to support them on this journey.”

Among the coaches, David Heyden, who coached Paralympic swimmer Jack Ireland to silver and bronze at the 2024 Paris Games, said: “This program expands my coaching horizon, pushing me to learn, adapt, and improve.”

Paralympic gold medallist and QAS Wheelchair Rugby Program Head Coach Ben Newton OAM PLY highlighted: “This program gives coaches the rare opportunity to focus on their craft in a secure, salaried role. If Queensland wants its best-ever Paralympic results in 2032, we need world-class coaches leading the way.”

The 10 new coaches were officially inducted at QAS headquarters, marking a significant milestone in the state’s sporting history.