Bigger, Better Equipment Program Is Opening Doors To Para-Sport
The Para Sport Equipment Enhancement Program (PEEP) has awarded over $1.6 million in equipment grants this year, helping Para-athletes and sport programs overcome barriers identified in recent research. PEEP now offers monthly funding rounds, encouraging athletes, clubs, and community programs to apply for support.
Recipients from Round 1 include athletes and initiatives like PlayOn, which received competition-quality wheelchairs to boost women’s participation in basketball. Funding also supported equipment for Para-archery, canoes, prostheses, and more, with additional bulk wheelchair orders on the way for sport institutes.
Matheson said, “Critical to a person’s experience of Para-sport is getting the right equipment… Because of this grant we can expand our program and have more women and girls getting involved in wheelchair basketball.”
PEEP streamlines applications and targets those facing equipment barriers, aiming to remove obstacles and support athlete progression. Liam Wood said, “the aim is to remove equipment as a barrier to participation,” and to ensure equipment doesn’t hinder advancement.
