Q
ueensland’s search for future Paralympians has reached regional communities, with the first YouFor2032 Regional Para Testing Day held in Townsville as part of a broader effort to strengthen para sport pathways ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The event, held on 29 July, gave aspiring athletes from North Queensland the opportunity to take part in talent identification testing through the Queensland Academy of Sport’s Para Unit, which has expanded rapidly since it was launched in 2025.
The Townsville testing day is the first regional edition of the program and forms part of a wider strategy to identify athletes beyond metropolitan centres. Participants can complete initial assessments through the YouFor2032 app before progressing to in-person testing, where they may be matched with sports that suit their abilities.
The Queensland Academy of Sport says the Para Unit has identified 64 athletes across 18 sports and recently welcomed its largest intake of 24 athletes. The program is delivered through a partnership involving the Queensland Government, the Australian Institute of Sport and Paralympics Australia.
Queensland Academy of Sport chief executive Troy Ayres said regional access was an important part of the talent search.
“Hosting the YouFor2032 Para Talent Search in Townsville is an important step towards making sure geography isn’t a barrier to reaching the Paralympic pathway,” he said.
“We’re seeing incredible potential right across Queensland. We want to connect people who may not realise there’s a pathway into Para sport and give them every opportunity to compete at the highest level.”
Paralympian and Queensland Academy of Sport Para Unit lead Blake Cochrane said the regional testing day was designed to reduce barriers for athletes outside major centres.
“For many people in regional communities, travelling to access high performance programs can be a barrier. By coming to Townsville, we’re helping remove that barrier,” he said.
“You don’t need an elite sporting background. We look for potential and connect athletes with the sport where they can thrive.”
Cochrane said athletes identified through the program were already competing at national and international level.
Queensland has increased investment in para sport development as preparations continue for Brisbane 2032. The state government has positioned the expansion of regional talent pathways as part of its broader Olympic and Paralympic strategy.
Sports Minister Tim Mander said identifying talent across the state would be increasingly important in the lead-up to the Games.
“We know outstanding Para sporting talent exists right across the state, and today’s event is about making those opportunities more accessible for all Queenslanders,” he said.
“Taking the first regional Para Talent Search to Townsville is the next step, ensuring future Paralympic stars can be discovered no matter where they live.”
Mundingburra MP Janelle Poole said regional communities were home to many talented athletes who could benefit from programs being delivered closer to where they live.
“By bringing talent identification programs directly into our communities, we’re giving more Queenslanders the chance to be discovered and supported on their journey,” she said.
Regional talent identification has become a growing focus across Australian sport, particularly in para sport where access to specialised coaching, classification and competition opportunities can vary between metropolitan and regional areas. Expanding testing programs into regional Queensland is intended to widen the pool of athletes entering development pathways in the years leading up to Brisbane 2032.
The YouFor2032 program is supported by RACQ and is designed to identify athletes with the physical attributes suited to a range of Paralympic sports, including those who may not have previously considered para sport as a competitive pathway.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
