Minister for Sport and Recreation, Damian Drum, announced the AUS$2.5 million (£1.39 million/$2.26 million/€1.74 million) investment, which it is hoped will open up more opportunities for people with a disability to participate in Disabled WinterSport Australia programmes.

"For over 35 years Disabled WinterSport Australia have been at the forefront of providing people with a disability the chance to experience and develop their full potential in winter sports at Australia's Alpine regions," said Drum.

"The new accommodation will not only open up more opportunities for people with a disability to participate in Disabled WinterSport Australia programmes but will support an important training facility to encourage athlete development.

"This fantastic new facility will incorporate universal design principles and allow guests the maximum opportunity to get the best out of their winter sport experience.

"By investing in quality and multipurpose sport and recreation projects we can encourage a new generation of Paralympic heroes to reach new heights and emulate the feats of Sochi Paralympic Alpine ski stars Jess Gallagher and Toby Kane."

Australians with a disability will be given more opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Paralympic bronze medallist Toby Kane ©Getty Images


The 40-bed facility at Howmans Gap Alpine Centre will cater for all abilities winter sports athletes and provide a gateway for the future of Winter Paralympic athletes in Australia.

The facility in north-eastern Victoria is expected to be opened in time for the 2016 season.

Following the announcement, Drum also thanked Disabled WinterSports Australia and project partners the YMCA for their efforts to get the project up and running.

"I encourage our all-abilities winter sports enthusiasts to take advantage of all the new accommodation and sporting options available at the new facility once it's ready for the 2016 snow season," he said.

Australia won two bronze medals at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games courtesy of Toby Kane and Jessica Gallagher.

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