Para START

The University of Queensland's Para START program is the first program in Australia to focus on training and evaluating athletes with high support needs disabilities. Para - stands for Paralympic and START stands for Sports Training and Research Team. ParaSTART is led by Professor Sean Tweedy and Associate Professor Emma Beckman and is based at the University of Queensland. ParaSTART delivers a range of sports training programs which are underpinned by ongoing research investigations. This unique setting provides the opportunity to address a range of highly applied research questions, including evaluating the therapeutic benefit of sport for people with severe impairments and high support needs. The processes we have developed through ParaSTART empower individuals with severe impairments and high support needs to train safely and effectively for physically demanding para sports. The program is delivered by experienced allied health professionals including Exercise Physiologists, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists. They are all equipped to coach people of all abilities—regardless of diagnosis or impairment severity. They offer personalised, one-on-one and group training sessions in swimming, track and field, strength and conditioning or any sport you would like to try. ParaSTART specialises in facilitating safe, effective sports entry, so no prior sports experience or minimum activity levels required! Whether you’re looking to stay active and have fun or aiming for competitive success, we’re here to support you. Your safety is our main priority and therefore our qualified providers are supported by medical doctors, psychologists, physiotherapists and dietitians to provide comprehensive care and training. ParaSTART is here to help you reach your potential, whatever your aspirations may be! To find out more, and whether this program is suitable for you or someone you know, please do not hesitate to contact us.