The initiative will see events take place across seven cities over the coming months in the hope of recruiting potential athletes across a range of sports and classifications.

Significant focus will be placed on individuals with cerebral palsy or other neurological impairment who are also in wheelchairs.

The first Para-sports Draft testing day is due to take place in Melbourne on October 12.

This will be followed by Sydney on October 26, Canberra on November 9, Adelaide on November 15, Perth on November 23, Brisbane on November 30 and Hobart on December 7.

While the main goal is to identify youngsters with potential, there are also opportunities for individuals to be fast-tracked in time for Rio 2016, according to the APC.

"London 2012 was a great example of how far people with a neurological impairment can go in sport," said APC performance talent manager Tim Matthews.

"Seventeen per cent of the Australian team, or 28 athletes had cerebral palsy or other neurological impairments.

"We acknowledge that there are less opportunities for people in wheelchairs to participate in sport, and even more so if they have a neurological impairment such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or an acquired brain injury.

"This is a big reason why we'll be placing an emphasis on higher needs athletes at the Para-sports Draft testing days."

The APC says there are many opportunities for athletes in sports such as swimming, cycling and athletics ©Getty Images



The programme has been devised by the APC in partnership with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).

In particular, opportunities will be available in athletics, swimming and cycling, which offer multiple events and medal opportunities for athletes who fit into these classifications.

"Along with the AIS, the APC is committed to building pathways and providing more opportunities by placing individuals with a disability into the right sports for them," Matthews added.

"We encourage anyone and everyone with a desire to participate at an elite level in the future to give sport a go, even if they have not played sport before.

"The Para-sports Draft may well be their entry point to a Paralympic pathway."

After topping the medal table at Sydney 2000, Australia has finished fifth at the past three Paralympic Games.

At London 2012 the nation's athletes won 85 medals, including 32 golds, spread across athletics, cycling, equestrian, sailing, swimming and wheelchair rugby.

For more information on the Para-sports Draft and to register, click here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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