The Para Athlete Barriers Fund is a one-off grant program to support categorised athletes to overcome individual barriers to their progression or performance in Para sports.

The Fund offers a one-off grant to support categorised athletes to overcome individual barriers to their progression or performance in Para sports. The Para Athlete Barriers Fund underscores the commitment of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for Para athletes, ensuring they have the resources needed to excel in their respective sports. Whether it's to overcome barriers related to training, coaching, equipment, travel or their essential needs, the Para Athlete Barriers Fund is dedicated to empowering athletes to break through challenges and reach new heights in their athletic careers.

Eligible expenditure items include, but are not limited to costs associated with:

• travel to attend training or competition/events
• obtaining athlete classification
• carer support
• performance support
• accessing training facilities
• accessing coaching services
• competition entry fees 
• childcare whilst training or travelling for sport
• high performance equipment, engineering, or equipment maintenance
• professional development opportunities

To be eligible to apply for the Fund applicants must:

• be an athlete supported by an ASC recognised National Sporting Organisation (NSO) or National Sporting Organisation for people with Disability (NSOD) in a para sport
• be categorised into one of the following disciplines as per the Athlete Categorisation Framework:
  • Podium
  • Podium Ready
  • Podium Potential
  • Developing
  • Emerging
• be actively participating with a recognised NSO/D in training and competition within their para sport;
• have no anti-doping rule violations at any time; and
• have no match fixing offences at any time.

• Email: ParaAthleteBarriers@ausport.gov.au