The inaugural Alice Springs Mini Paralympics.

The event was delivered by the Northern Territory Sports Academy as part of the Para System Uplift program, funded by the Australian Government through Paralympics Australia to increase awareness of Para sport and strengthen participation pathways.

Representatives from the Australian Institute of Sport, the Australian Sports Commission and Paralympics Australia travelled from across the country to support the event.

Participants received medals, a healthy lunch and RM Williams merchandise from the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Following the success of the inaugural event, the second Alice Springs Mini Paralympics was scheduled for 1 April 2026.

Alice Springs Mini Paralympics & Para Sport Program Spotlight

We’re proud to be helping shape the future of sport, with local athletes now firmly on the pathway to the 2032 Brisbane Paralympic Games.

A major milestone in this journey was the successful delivery of the first-ever Alice Springs Mini Paralympics, a landmark event that showcased inclusive sport and uncovered emerging Paralympic talent in Central Australia.

Building Awareness and Pathways Through Para Sport

The inaugural Alice Springs Mini Paralympics was a full-day event featuring athletics, wheelchair basketball, boccia, badminton and other para-sports.

Lucinda, Reclink NT State Manager, Sport & Recreation was instrumental in getting the program off the ground.

“It was a privilege for Reclink Australia to be a part of Alice Springs first-ever Mini Paralympics and heartwarming to see huge smiles on the participants faces” Lucinda says.

“We wanted to lift the profile of para-sports nationwide and show that there are pathways for athlete to participate in para sports in the NT and then nationwide.”

Proudly supported by the Australian Government, as a part of the Para System Uplift Program, and attended by representatives from the Northern Territory Sports Academy, Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Australian Sports Commission, and the Australian Paralympic Team, who travelled from across the country to support participants and identify future talent.

A Life-Changing Detour: Quade’s Story

On the morning of the Alice Springs Mini Paralympics, 14-year-old Quade Stone was on his way to school with his dad when they heard Reclink NT’s Sport & Recreation Manager speaking on the radio about the event.

Inspired, they made a spontaneous decision, diverting their journey, taking Quade out of school for the day, and attending the Mini Paralympics.

That decision proved life‑changing.

With a strong national focus on identifying and developing future Paralympians ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games, Quade’s athletic ability was recognised on the day by the Australian Paralympic Team.

Now training under the guidance and care of the Northern Territory Sports Academy, in January 2026, Quade travelled to Brisbane to compete in wheelchair basketball, taking a significant step forward on his elite sporting pathway.

Eyes on the Paralympics

Quade, who has cerebral palsy, says wheelchair basketball has quickly become his passion.

“I loved playing wheelchair basketball, and I hope to make it to the Paralympics in seven years’ time,” Quade said.

He also expressed heartfelt thanks to Reclink Australia and all partnering organisations for the opportunity to be identified as a potential athlete for Brisbane 2032.

Why access matters

The Mini Paralympics created meaningful entry points into sport for people living with disability or impairment, connecting participants to coaching, equipment, and clear development pathways to support their ongoing sporting journeys.

“What a wonderful opportunity for Centralian athletes to have future pathways and opportunities into Olympic Sport.” Lucinda says.

Participants enjoyed a memorable day, complete with medals and RM Williams merchandise from the Paris 2024 Paralympics, celebrating their achievements and reinforcing the excitement of elite Para sport.

Due to its success, the second Alice Springs Mini Paralympics occurred on 1 April 2026, cementing the event as a key fixture in the NT Para sport calendar.

Continuing the Momentum

Reclink Australia NT remains deeply committed to Para sport development across the Northern Territory. In addition to the Mini Paralympics, we deliver weekly inclusive programs, including:

• swimABILITY Program
• All Abilities Unleashed Program
• Freedom Wheels
• Open Para Future
• Roll Ride Walk
• Boccia for Beginners

Through these initiatives, we’re opening doors, building confidence, and helping more athletes like Quade discover what’s possible, on the road to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

Support life-changing community programs

Reclink Australia’s sport and recreation programs help thousands of people each year improve their physical health, build social connections, and regain confidence and independence.