Gourley will play a vital role in the Para Uplift, a nation-wide initiative funded by the Australian Government’s record investment in Para-sport to address better classification opportunities, specialised coaching and performance support, and access to fit-for-purpose training environments.

As AIS Para Unit System Lead, Gourley will work with State and Territory Sport Institutes and Academies to establish multi-Para-sport hubs around the country.

Gourley brings incredible experience to the role. Since making his first Australian team at age 15 in 2006, he has served in various athlete representative roles both in Australia and with the International Paralympic Committee, played a crucial part in the formation and implementation of Australia’s Win Well High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy (Win Well Strategy), and is a member of the Play Well Leadership Group.

“I'm excited to be joining the Para Uplift project and play a role in building holistic systems to support the sustained success of our current and future Para athletes through our brilliant National Institute Network partners,” Gourley said.

“It's a pivotal moment to be involved in Para sport and disability sport more broadly, with so much opportunity and a real willingness to collaborate, learn and grow together across the high performance sport system.”

The first Para Unit was announced at the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) in December 2024, with units to be launched in other states and territories in the coming weeks.

The SASI Unit has also looked to experienced athletes to play a leadership role, announcing two-time Paralympic gold medallist Emily Petricola as the Unit Lead, alongside fellow Paris 2024 gold medallist Jed Altschwager, who commenced as the Para Transition Coach at the end of last year.

“I am looking forward to being a part of creating a system that supports all South Australian Para-athletes as they begin their journey into elite sport,” Petricola said.

“I want to ensure that athletes are set up to be the best they can be, especially as we head towards Brisbane 2032.”

Australian Sports Commission Executive General Manager of AIS Performance Matti Clements said the inclusion of athletes in leadership role aligns with the Win Well Strategy.

“These announcements are an example of how the nationwide Para Uplift is a gamechanger for sport in Australia,” Clements said.

“It’s critical our athletes are part of the process, and I look forward to working with Mitch, Emily, Jed and all of our athletes to create a legacy of sustainable success in Para-sport.”

Fellow Paralympians Shae Graham (wheelchair rugby) and Andrew Dawes (Para-athletics) have also been named as part of the Win Well Para Uplift Steering Group, which will play a critical role in overseeing and guiding the implementation of the Para Uplift across high performance sport.

For more information about the Para Uplift and the Steering Group, visit the Win Well 2032 website: www.winwell2032.au