Griffith Uni dives into Project Para

SWIMMING Australia and Griffith University today announced a bold new partnership to ensure the Gold Coast’s Para athletes have access to the world’s best training environment in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

The tailored three-year program supports and elevates para athletes and aims to reduce barriers for participation and talent identification and enhance performance pathways for para athletes.

Griffith University’s inaugural squad includes Paralympic medallist and Commonwealth Games hopeful Maddie McTernan – and Paralympian Holly Warn.

Head coach Rick Pendleton today thanked the bold vision and support of Griffith University and Swimming Australia to help ensure para athletes reached their full potential.

“Griffith University has established itself as a leader in elite sport and inclusiveness. And in partnership with Swimming Australia, I am proud to stand on pool deck as head coach of the Gold Coast’s first Para specific program,” he said.

Pendleton, a Queensland Academy of Sport Gen 2032 ‘Project Para’ coach, then added: “This squad – Griffith’s first – have access to a world-class training environment.”

“We are well on the green and gold runway to 2032 Games but this high-performance hub is also about dual-career support for our swimmers who are students.

“So while I am proud to say this partnership will contribute directly to Australia’s para medal success … I am equally proud to say it will also contribute to an inclusive, values-led culture.”

General Manager Paralympic Program Anna Johnson added: “Our ambitious vision is to become the world’s leading Paralympic swimming nation in the world, uniting communities, and inspiring Australia to swim.”

“I am grateful to Griffith University for their commitment to supporting our talented athletes – and coaches – in High Performance Para-swimming.”

Director Griffith Sports College Naomi McCarthy OAM said: “Griffith is thrilled to be supporting the Para Performance Program at the High Performance Hub on our Gold Coast campus, where we now host both Paralympic and Olympic HP squads within the Griffith Swim Club.”

“Athletes will train at the aquatic centre and new HP gym, while we work with Swimming Australia on research into the para daily performance environment with Griffith students gaining valuable hands-on experience supporting these athletes.”