Posted: 2023-03-01 06:05:01

Paralympics Australia (PA) has called out the inequity in funding and support for the Para-sport system, warning decision makers against repeating "the injustices that emerged from the Sydney 2000 Games" as the country makes its run towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

PA president Jock O'Callaghan also took a swipe at Paralympians being absent from ongoing discussions of the war in Ukraine and the possible inclusion of 'neutral athletes' at the Paris 2024 Games.

"Much has been said in recent weeks about the power of sport to unite," Mr O'Callaghan said.

"Much has been said about how unacceptable it might be under a United Nations convention to discriminate against one group of athletes purely based on the passport they hold.

"Well, let me be blunt: there is also a UN convention on persons with disabilities. Its purpose is to promote, protect and ensure full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by all persons with disabilities.

A woman lights the flame for the Paralympic games
Paralympics Australia said the organisation had been fighting for survival since the Sydney Games in 2000. (Getty Images via ALLSPORT: Nick Wilson )

"Sport by any interpretation fits within these frames."

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