Gen 2032 Project Para Coaches begin laying the groundwork for future Paralympic success

The Queensland Academy of Sport’s (QAS) Gen 2032 Project Para Coach Development Program brought together a group of 13 coaches across seven sports on the Sunshine Coast, all united by a bold vision to shape the future of Para Sport in Australia and help elevate the next wave of Paralympic talent on the road to LA 2028, Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

The three-day workshop was a powerful first step in building a connected, para-literate coaching network that will help unlock athlete potential at all levels of the pathway.

QAS High Performance Coach Advisor Michelle Hemley said the focus of Learning Lab 1 was to build trust, connection and confidence within the group, while providing a clear view of the broader Para-sport system.

“This was a truly special experience. We wanted to create a space where coaches felt supported, seen and inspired and not just by what’s possible, but by each other. The openness, curiosity and care they brought into the room was something we’ll carry forward into every Learning Lab to come,” said Michelle.

Throughout the three days, the coaches had opportunity to meet key leaders from QAS, AIS and Paralympics Australia, explore real-world case studies, and hear directly from athletes, researchers, coaches and administrators with lived Para-sport experience.

The group also visited the Sunshine Coast Para Swimming Hub and High-Performance Gym, participated in facilitated discussions, and took part in a wellbeing and reflection session focused on long-term sustainability in coaching.

Beyond the formal learning, team-building activities such as Wheelchair Rugby, paintball and raft building created an atmosphere of camaraderie and vulnerability, helping the group form meaningful relationships that will support their learning journey over the next four years.

“The purpose of this week is for us to get to know the high-performance system for the Para sporting context. One of the activities across the three days was coach wellbeing and health. It’s been a great opportunity for us all,” said Ethan Forge, a Gen 2032 Project Para Coach (Swimming).

For many in the group, it was their first time deeply engaging with Para-sport systems and athletes. Building “para-literacy” and a deeper understanding of the needs, experiences and pathways of Para-athletes was a key aim of the Lab.

“Our Gen2032 coaches are currently in partnership with our NSO sports and QAS to directly work with the Para-athletes in those particular sports,” said Blake Cochrane, QAS Para Unit Lead.

“Previously that para-literacy or that knowledge of Para-sport hasn’t been there. So, part of the support that we have with the Para Unit but also Gen2032 Project Para Coaching Program is to be able to really close some of those gaps with those athletes and coaches alike.”

Jessica Williams, Gen 2032 Coach (Athletics) said during the three-day event, they had exposure to the QAS’ Sunshine Coast Hub based at the University of the Sunshine Coast as well as learning around the high-performance environment for para-athletes.

“We did quite a lot of concept mapping around what our role will be, what a high-performance Para-athlete looks like, what the future Para coach looks like, and how we can grow into those roles. And then we’ve also got to do quite a bit of team building activities as well,” she said.

Former elite athlete, Jessica Borg who hung up her boxing gloves in 2024, is now taking on a new challenge as a Gen2032 Coach for Taekwondo.

“Over the course of the three days, I’ve enjoyed talking to people with different experiences. Some are more experienced than others,” said Jess.

“I’m quite fresh, and you know, people have been coaching for 10–15 years. Being able to have the opportunity to chat and really ask the hard questions that maybe you wouldn’t get to in a different setting, that’s been probably the most beneficial thing. Learning off each other and being able to grow. We are all growing on this journey together, which is super cool.”

Later in 2025, Learning Lab 2 will continue to build on these foundations, exploring the athlete-coach relationship and how coaches can apply their new para-literacy in real performance environments.

Learning Lab 1 marked the beginning of a four-year journey through the Gen 2032 Project Para Coach Development Program, a comprehensive national initiative designed to prepare high-quality Para-sport coaches to lead Australia’s athletes into the next decade of elite international competition. The program is built around 12 Learning Labs, monthly ‘Community of Practice’ gatherings, and ongoing development opportunities.

Designed in consultation with stakeholders from the QAS, Australian Institue of Sport (AIS), Paralympics Australia, national sporting organisations and former Gen 2032 coaches and athletes, the final curriculum will be co-designed by the coaches themselves. Using a method called Concept Mapping, the cohort will align their learning journey with the AIS High Performance Coach Development Framework and Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy – Win Well.