German para-athletes appeal for more funding for Paralympic sports

Shortly before the start of the Milan/Cortina Winter Paralympics, nearly 200 German para-athletes appealed to the federal government to increase funding for elite Paralympic sports in the 2027 federal budget.

The goal must be to finance at least 200 sport development venues and secure them for several years, a statement said.

Four-time para-alpine skiing Paralympics champion Anna-Lena Forster and biathlon Paralympic champion Anja Wicker were among the athletes who signed the declaration.

"Supporting Paralympic athletes is not just an investment in medals, but also in inclusion, visibility, and equal opportunities. Now is the time to act," said Elena Semechin, two-time para-swimming Paralympic champion.

The athletes praised the significant progress that has been made in recent years in promoting individual para-athletes. However, they said that "true equality still fails due to budget constraints."

Around €350 million ($405.87 million) was earmarked for sport in the federal budget for 2026. A large portion of this is allocated to promoting elite sport.

Germany will be represented by around 200 athletes at the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games.

The 2026 Winter Paralympics start on Friday and run until March 15.