By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

August 6 - The Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) is set to benefit from a new $28.7 million (£16.5 million) state-of-the-art performance facility being developed by Essendon, the country's most successful Australian Rules football club, in Melbourne and which is backed by the Government.



Bill Shorten, the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, announced today that the Government plans to invest $6 million (£3.4 million) into the new centre which will include training, medical and rehabilitation facilities, an indoor community centre and an administration centre.

Essendon chief executive Ian Robson said the benefits of the funding would be seen at both the elite and grass roots levels.

"Today’s funding will allow Essendon and the APC a unique opportunity to work together to enhance the performance of our athletes while also providing significant community benefits," he said.

"We are excited by the opportunity to partner with the APC to enhance our efforts in promoting important social messages such as integration, awareness and inclusion within the sporting landscape.

"Essendon and the APC both have a number of successful and well established education programs. 

"Through a collaborative approach we believe we can enhance both of these programs and develop new and innovative content that supports the common objectives of both of our organisations."

APC chief executive Jason Hellwig said the facility would be used to improve pathways for Paralympic athletes and opportunities for people with disabilities.

"The facility will become a hub for the Australia’s Paralympic athletes and teams. 

" It will also become the operational headquarters for the APC’s Victorian administration and will be a base for camps, training, classification and talent identification.

"Further, we are particularly excited by the prospect of working with local clubs affiliated to the EFC to improve the skills of coaches, administrators and volunteers so that they may be exemplars in the provision of community based sporting opportunities for people with disabilities.”

Shorten said that once complete, the project would allow the club to build on its successful community and harm prevention programmes.

"The new sporting and community hub will be available for use by local schools, community groups and council-run programmes as well as for EFC and the APC," he said.

Essendon is currently exploring a number of location options, including Windy Hill and beyond, in order to deliver valuable outcomes for the EFC/APC partnership and to cater for future growth.

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