\n<\/p>\n
A strengthened partnership with the South Australian Institute of Spot (SASI) will be on full display when\u00a0Para Powerlifting Australia\u2019s 2026 Grand Prix Series\u00a0arrives\u00a0in Adelaide on 17 May.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Adelaide Grand Prix\u00a0marks the\u00a0second stop of the\u00a02026 Para Powerlifting Australia Grand Prix Series\u00a0and will be\u00a0hosted at SASI\u2019s new\u00a0high performance\u00a0facility in Mile End,\u00a0reflecting\u00a0exciting\u00a0progress\u00a0in\u00a0the sport and how that\u00a0is\u00a0opening up\u00a0new\u00a0opportunities for athletes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With benchmark events including the Commonwealth Games\u00a0in July\u00a0and Los Angeles 2028 on the horizon,\u00a0the Adelaide\u00a0event\u00a0represents another\u00a0significant step in the growth of Para Powerlifting in Australia, strengthening collaboration between Para Powerlifting Australia and the state institute sport network, while\u00a0bringing greater clarity and connection\u00a0to the\u00a0high performance\u00a0pathway for\u00a0emerging and established\u00a0athletes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOur\u00a0partnership with SASI is a strong outcome for Para Powerlifting Australia,\u201d said Kim Ellwood, General Manager of Para Powerlifting Australia.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt demonstrates what is possible when national\u00a0sporting organisations\u00a0and state\u00a0high\u2011performance\u00a0systems align, and it creates opportunities not just for competition delivery, but for\u00a0long\u2011term\u00a0athlete\u00a0and coachdevelopment.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Beyond competition, SASI and Para Powerlifting Australia are working together through the\u00a0appointment\u00a0of\u00a0Michael Nash as a Para Powerlifting coach, a role that directly supports the national program while embedding\u00a0specialist\u00a0expertise\u00a0within SASI\u2019s\u00a0high performance\u00a0system.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Nash is leading the SASI Para Powerlifting Development Squad, providing targeted coaching support to\u00a0emerging\u00a0South Australian athletes and strengthening the talent pipeline towards future national teams and international representation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe development squad is a practical example of the pathway in action,\u201d said Simon Bergner, Head Coach of Para Powerlifting Australia.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re building capability at every level \u2014 athletes, coaches and systems \u2014 and this event allows us to showcase that work in a meaningful way.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Following the first two events in series in Wollongong and Adelaide, it\u00a0will continue in Melbourne on 15\u00a0August, before culminating with the 2026 National Championships on the Gold Coast on 19\u201320 November.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Grand Prix Series provides athletes with\u00a0high\u2011level\u00a0domestic competition opportunities, contributing to international qualification standards and offering emerging lifters the chance to compete in performance environments aligned with Paralympic pathways.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For more information on how to get involved in Para\u00a0Powerlifting, visit:\u00a0\u202fwww.parapowerliftingaustralia.com.au<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n 2026 Grand Prix dates<\/strong>\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n 17\u00a0May\u00a0-\u202fSA GP @ SASI\u202f(Adelaide)\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n 15\u00a0August\u202f-\u202fVic GP @\u202fNEC Hangar (Melbourne)\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n 19-21\u00a0November\u202f-\u202fAustralian National Championships @ Nerang RSL Functions and event centre\u202f(Gold Coast)\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n By\u00a0Ashley Gillespie & Para Powerlifting Australia.<\/p>\n Published 12 May, 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n