The APC will use the funding to try and ensure Australia remains a world leader in classification for athletes with a disability.

"We are pleased the Federal Government recognises and acknowledges the role of the APC in classification and its importance in developing opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport," said Hartung.

"Classification is unique to Paralympic sport, and no organisation is better placed to deliver classification opportunities for people with a disability across Australia than the APC."

The classification project was part of the APC's submission to the Federal Government for support of its development and participation initiatives.

The establishment of a national classification program, which can be applied to all disability sport participants at an entry level, is a key element of increasing sport participation opportunities.

The extension of the APC's successful classification program will enable the development of resources, the training of more classifiers, and the development and maintenance of a database to coordinate classification services throughout Australia.

Hartung added: "The APC takes very seriously its responsibility in classification, which it operates under the authority of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

"We are pleased to receive the support of the Federal Minister for Sport, Senator Mark Arbib."

Since the inception of the APC's national classification programme four years ago, 1,950 athletes have been assessed including 665 in the last 12 months.

The funding injection will enable the APC to expand on those numbers even further, providing more Australians with a disability with more opportunity to participate in the sport of their choice in the build-up to the London 2012 Paralympics and beyond.

"The expansion of the APC's classification programme will see a greater focus on classification opportunities for indigenous athletes, junior athletes and also those living in regional and rural communities," said Hartung.

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