A strengthened partnership with the South Australian Institute of Spot (SASI) will be on full display when Para Powerlifting Australia’s 2026 Grand Prix Series arrives in Adelaide on 17 May.
The Adelaide Grand Prix marks the second stop of the 2026 Para Powerlifting Australia Grand Prix Series and will be hosted at SASI’s new high performance facility in Mile End, reflecting exciting progress in the sport and how that is opening up new opportunities for athletes.
With benchmark events including the Commonwealth Games in July and Los Angeles 2028 on the horizon, the Adelaide event represents another significant step in the growth of Para Powerlifting in Australia, strengthening collaboration between Para Powerlifting Australia and the state institute sport network, while bringing greater clarity and connection to the high performance pathway for emerging and established athletes.
“Our partnership with SASI is a strong outcome for Para Powerlifting Australia,” said Kim Ellwood, General Manager of Para Powerlifting Australia.
“It demonstrates what is possible when national sporting organisations and state high‑performance systems align, and it creates opportunities not just for competition delivery, but for long‑term athlete and coachdevelopment.”
Beyond competition, SASI and Para Powerlifting Australia are working together through the appointment of Michael Nash as a Para Powerlifting coach, a role that directly supports the national program while embedding specialist expertise within SASI’s high performance system.
Nash is leading the SASI Para Powerlifting Development Squad, providing targeted coaching support to emerging South Australian athletes and strengthening the talent pipeline towards future national teams and international representation.
“The development squad is a practical example of the pathway in action,” said Simon Bergner, Head Coach of Para Powerlifting Australia.
“We’re building capability at every level — athletes, coaches and systems — and this event allows us to showcase that work in a meaningful way.”
Following the first two events in series in Wollongong and Adelaide, it will continue in Melbourne on 15 August, before culminating with the 2026 National Championships on the Gold Coast on 19–20 November.
The Grand Prix Series provides athletes with high‑level domestic competition opportunities, contributing to international qualification standards and offering emerging lifters the chance to compete in performance environments aligned with Paralympic pathways.
For more information on how to get involved in Para Powerlifting, visit: www.parapowerliftingaustralia.com.au
2026 Grand Prix dates
17 May - SA GP @ SASI (Adelaide)
15 August - Vic GP @ NEC Hangar (Melbourne)
19-21 November - Australian National Championships @ Nerang RSL Functions and event centre (Gold Coast)
By Ashley Gillespie & Para Powerlifting Australia.
Published 12 May, 2026.
