Accessibility is a key design element of our infrastructure at UniSC, so we have the optimal training environment for many Paralympic sports such as wheelchair rugby and swimming, whose athletes have higher support needs than athletes without a disability.

UniSC Para Sport builds on the work that has already been done to create an ideal training facility for athletes of all abilities, which is especially relevant and exciting leading into the 2032 Olympic Games.

Our researchers have a golden opportunity to contribute to Australian Paralympic excellence thanks to our Para Sport program. The daily training sessions taking place are not just of benefit to athletes, they are also opportunities for UniSC researchers and research candidates to collect consistent data that can in turn help improve training practices. It’s like having an evidence-based research laboratory on our doorstep.

UniSC students seeking careers in occupational therapy and sport sciences have the advantage of gaining invaluable real-life experience working with people and athletes with a disability who are training on site. Students have the unique opportunity to learn from experts with an enthusiasm for Para sport, while gaining first-hand knowledge in the complexities of working with athletes with disabilities.

The University of the Sunshine Coast has a rich history of working alongside major sport stakeholders to create opportunities for athletes, sports teams, and researchers/students in sport sciences.

UniSC Para Sport opens wider possibilities for new and existing partners who have a specific interest in this area of sport to network, share knowledge and collaborate.