Rizzo is working hard to ensure he is racing in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, which are a little more than one year from action.

The 18-year-old has been testing his game in increasingly bigger events as he builds in his quest for qualification. Rizzo reached last year's Commonwealth Games final for the t54 1500-metre wheel race - this has given him a taste to keep aiming higher.

Ballarat Italian Association has gifted Rizzo a $2000 boost to help him reach qualifying events.

"We set the goal to try and qualify for Tokyo back in 2014...it's a bit scary how close it is now," Rizzo said. "I've really felt the support for me from the Italian community in Ballarat and the whole Ballarat community.

"I love my Italian heritage. The culture is so loving, I feel accepted, no matter what."

Rizzo's grandfather migrated from Sicily when he was young with his family to seek a better life after WWII. Rizzo said it was great to still have that Italian support.

Part of the funding will help Rizzo travel to Japan for his first half-marathon event later this year. This is all about testing his strength and race experience.

Rizzo is also preparing to contest the Sydney City to Surf 14-kilometre event with coach Richard Coleman. He is fired up to improve on his attempt last year in which he "stacked it" on the notorious Heartbreak Hill.

Looking to Tokyo, Rizzo's pet events on track are 800m and 1500m. Rizzo knows he is pushing well and keeping focus.

In a trip to Switzerland in late May, Rizzo broke Australian under-20 records for 800 and 1500m in his classification and was 0.06 seconds off qualifying for the world open championships.

"I got really good race experience though," Rizzo said.

"The biggest field I usually see in my classification is 50 athletes. This meet had 100 athletes. It was so crazy and so beneficial getting overseas and travelling for my sport."

Ballarat Italian Association president Chez Dichiera said the group was proud to support athlete development and promote diversity.

The association also sponsors Forest Rangers Soccer Club to help ensure under-privileged children get a chance to play the world game.

Association members also presented Rizzo with a book detailing the history of Italians in Ballarat.

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