South Australian athletes with international ambitions have a renewed opportunity to chase their sporting dreams, with the latest round of the High Performance Athlete Program (HPAP) now open. The initiative, designed to ease financial strain and pave the way for success, has already helped a host of home-grown stars make their mark on the global stage, including 22-year-old boxer Callum Peters, who stepped into the ring at the Paris Olympics last year.
This year’s program will distribute a total of $152,000 in State Government funding to eligible athletes competing in sports represented at the Olympic, Paralympic, or Commonwealth Games. The funding supports high-performance training, competition, and equipment, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of sporting excellence.
The HPAP builds upon and refines the previous Individual Athlete Program (IAP), incorporating the Country Athlete Award to make the application process more efficient. The streamlined approach ensures that junior athletes in regional areas remain supported, recognising that talent can emerge from any corner of the state.
Over the years, this financial backing has contributed to South Australia’s strong presence in elite sporting competitions. In 2024 alone, 14 athletes who had received support through the IAP were selected to represent Australia at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics. Among them was Indigenous boxer Callum Peters, who has used the program’s assistance since 2022 to cover essential expenses such as travel and gear. His journey has taken him from national competition to a silver medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, and he now sets his sights on the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Para-athletics silver medallist Michael Roeger, Para-table tennis bronze medallist Sam Von Einem, and Commonwealth Games gold medallist marathon runner Jessica Stenson have also benefited from the funding, reinforcing South Australia’s ability to nurture world-class talent. The program is an investment in local athletes committed to reaching the pinnacle of their respective sports, ensuring they have the support needed to compete at the highest level.
Applications for this year’s program are open until Wednesday, 9 April, giving athletes across the state the chance to secure funding that could help propel them onto the international stage. More information and application details can be found at orsr.sa.gov.au/grants/high-performance-athlete-program.
Emily Bourke, speaking on behalf of the program, expressed pride in South Australia’s continued commitment to its athletes. She highlighted that easing the financial burden on competitors allows them to focus on their training and performance, ultimately enhancing the state’s representation at major sporting events. The success seen in Paris has reinforced the importance of backing elite talent, with an eye now on Glasgow 2026 and Los Angeles 2028.
For athletes like Callum Peters, the program has been a game-changer. He credits the financial support with enabling him to invest in vital equipment and travel opportunities, both of which have played a crucial role in his career progression. He encourages others with similar ambitions to apply, recognising the program as a valuable stepping stone to reaching international competition.
With past recipients proving their mettle on the world stage, the HPAP continues to be a launchpad for South Australian athletes determined to compete among the best. The latest funding round offers another chance for emerging stars to take their skills to the next level, ensuring that talent and dedication remain the driving forces behind success, not financial constraints.
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