Understanding Barriers to Entry and Progression in the Paralympic Pathway Survey
- If you use a screen reader, this link provides a screen reader friendly version
Introduction
A key priority of the HP 2032+ Strategy is to reduce inequity of opportunity for Para athletes and create an environment that allows them to make the most of their talents.
This survey has been designed to capture the perspective of Para athletes, role holders that support Para sports and, the broader sector (e.g. able-bodied athletes, coaches, and other role holders) on barriers that impact entry and progression of Paralympic athletes in the High Performance pathway.
The views gathered by this survey, which will remain confidential, will inform the next steps in developing strategies to overcome barriers and create more opportunities for quality experiences for Para athletes entering and progressing in high performance sport.
The survey will be open to all athletes, coaches and role holders across the Australian High Performance Sports System.
The survey will take approximately 10 – 15 minutes to complete and will be open from 18 April to 12 May 2024.
Why is it important?
• The Australian High Performance System is ready for and is committed to making changes to facilitate an enabling environment that better supports the entry and progression of Para athletes and those who support them.
• This survey will provide the High Performance system a comprehensive understanding of what the current sporting landscape is like for Para athletes of all levels and for those involved in supporting Para athletes.
• To understand and act, we need to be informed by your lived experiences. The Australian High Performance sport system has a principle of not making decisions without the participation of those persons affected by those decisions.
Athlete Ambassadors
Chris Bond OAM PLY, Australian Wheelchair Ruby Captain
“As we get closer to a home Games in Brisbane 2032 we need to put a lot of work into pathways and development in Para sport her in Australia to ensure we have the strongest Paralympic team we can represent us on home soil.
"I would encourage all current and past athletes to give ten minutes towards helping shape the next generation by filling out this survey.”
Mitch Gourley PLY, Four-time Winter Paralympian
"Every athlete that I know is sick of screaming into surveys and hoping that our lived experiences get heard and acted upon and this survey is trying to break that inevitable cycle for our High Performance sport system.
"To all Para athletes, and staff, leaders and supporters of Para athletes, if you’ve only got the brain space to fill out one extra survey this year, make it this one to help the system understand your experiences in Para sport and have a real impact on improving our Para sport pathways and entire HP system in the lead up to Brisbane 2032."
Rachael Watson PLY, Two-time Paralympic Gold Medallist
"The survey is a great way to capture high quality data that otherwise may be missed and enables people to provide information in a way that is accessible to them.
"It is really important that people have a voice as this helps us shape future decisions into HP sport for Para athletes. As a current athlete I feel that my experiences and feedback can only help future athletes and staff."
Contact
If you would like additional support in completing this survey, please follow this link to arrange a time for a phone survey.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact performancepathways@ausport.gov.au.