Category: Industry News

Gold Coast to host 2026 Para Swimming World Series Australia

Swimming Australia, Experience Gold Coast and City of Gold Coast have announced the event will take place from 20–22 February at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, opening the 2026 season at one of the nation’s top aquatic venues.

The move from Melbourne gives athletes a chance to prepare for the outdoor conditions they’ll face at the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, where Para swimming will be held at a new open-air venue in Long Beach.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said, “The 2026 World Series will be the first time the Coast has hosted this global event and we are proud to showcase our para stars, and potential Commonwealth Games Dolphins as the main event.”

Brisbane woman runs 50km for 50 days to break barriers for para-athletes

Dr Jessica Hill is taking on the 50x50x50 Challenge — running 50km a day for 50 days to raise $50,000 in support of UQ’s ParaSTART, a program that helps people with high support needs access performance-based sports training.

A paediatric occupational therapist and researcher at The University of Queensland, Dr Hill has seen firsthand the barriers many young athletes with disabilities face. Through ParaSTART, she’s helping show that competitive sport can improve both physical and mental wellbeing.

“Running 50 kilometres for 50 days is tough — but for many people with disability, the challenge to access sport never stops,” she said.

Support her run: justgiving.com/campaign/drjesshill-50x50x50-challenge-forparastart

2025 Para Triathlon World Champions wow the crowds in Wollongong

The competition course was tough, but near-perfect conditions and an enthusiastic crowd made for an exciting day at the Para Triathlon World Championships in Wollongong.

Lauren Parker won her fifth women’s PTWC world title, with Thomas Fruehwirth (AUT) taking the men’s wheelchair crown. Dave Ellis and guide Luke Pollard (GBR) raced to gold in the men’s visually impaired event, while Susana Rodriguez overcame a fall to win the women’s PTVI category.

Paralympic Champions led in the next rounds: Chris Hammer (USA) won PTS5, Alexis Hanquinquant (FRA) claimed his eighth title in PTS4, and Grace Norman (USA) kept her win streak alive. Anu Francis took PTS2 gold for Australia, and Elise Marc (FRA) dominated the women’s PTS3. Jules Ribstein stayed on top for France in men’s PTS2.

Poweroos launch bid for powerchair football to be in Paralympic Games

Four powerchair football players compete on an indoor court, each using a motorized wheelchair equipped with protective metal guards. One player is positioned near a large, colorful ball, while others maneuver nearby, wearing team uniforms. Spectator seats and officials are visible in the background.

While his classmates studied for exams, 17-year-old Jack Parry was making his debut for Australia’s national powerchair football team, the Poweroos, who claimed victory at the 2025 Asia Pacific Oceania Cup in Brisbane.

Parry, the youngest player on the team, discovered the sport at a come-and-try day when he was 10. “It’s shown me what’s possible when you’re not held back by your disability,” the Brisbane student said.

Powerchair football is a fast, four-a-side version of soccer played with specially designed electric chairs that can send the ball flying at high speed.

Teammate and veteran player Tristram Peters has been involved in the sport for more than 15 years and said mentoring new athletes like Parry was “reassuring and empowering.”

The Poweroos are self-funded, with players covering their own costs to represent Australia. Player Rebecca Evans said she spent about $10,000 to compete in the tournament but wouldn’t change it for the world. “The community in powerchair football is amazing, they’re my second family,” she said.

With the sport continuing to grow, the Australian Powerchair Football Association hopes to secure a place for powerchair football at the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.

‘It Just Depends On The Person’: Para-Athletes Discuss The Familiar White Cane

The white cane – a universal symbol of mobility for people with low vision – can mean very different things for the athletes who use it.

For Para-biathlete Taryn Dickens, it represents confidence and independence. Training towards the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, she says the cane gave her back freedom.

“I use my cane as much as I can … it just gave me independence back,” Dickens said. “I stand up straight and feel like I can own the space I’m in without apologising.”

She hopes it sparks more open conversations. “When I grew up, it was shameful to ask about disability. But you can do it—just don’t be a jerk when you ask.”

For goalball player Caitlin Hannen-Williams, 20, the story is different. She relies mostly on her guide dog and admits she struggles with how canes are perceived.

“Before people even get to know you as a strong, independent athlete, it can feel like [using a cane] undermines your independence,” she said.

A Youth World Championship silver medallist and national champion, Hannen-Williams is eyeing Los Angeles 2028 while studying film at Curtin University.

Though their perspectives differ, both athletes show how attitudes towards mobility aids shape the way they are used—a reminder that the white cane carries deeply personal meaning across Para-sport.

Ballarat to host 2025 Special Olympics Victoria State Games

The City of Ballarat will host the 2025 Special Olympics Victoria State Games from 3–5 October, welcoming over 500 athletes with intellectual disability and autism for a weekend of competition and celebration. Events will open with a ceremony at Selkirk Stadium on Saturday, showcasing sports across Ballarat’s key venues and fostering inclusion, resilience, and community spirit.

These Games offer athletes vital opportunities, leading up to the 2026 National Games in Melbourne, and are set to deliver benefits for local businesses, clubs, and the broader community.

Competitions:

Athletics, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Football (Soccer), Golf, Gymnastics, Netball, Swimming, and Tennis across Ballarat venues.

Special Olympics Australia launches practical new online course with support of My Plan Manager

Special Olympics Australia, in partnership with Playbk Sports and supported by My Plan Manager, has launched a free online course to help coaches, parents, and volunteers better understand the NDIS and support people with intellectual disability and autism through sport.

The 30-minute course, available via the Inclusive Sports Academy, offers practical coaching strategies, examples of funded supports, and real stories to show how sport can build skills, confidence, and independence for NDIS participants. Developed collaboratively with support from the Australian Sports Commission, this initiative empowers communities to create inclusive sporting environments and make sport more meaningful and accessible for everyone.

New TIS Para Unit to uncover future Paralympic champions

The Tasmanian Institute of Sport has launched its first dedicated Para Unit, doubling athlete scholarships from four to eight and expanding its Talent Program from 10 to 20 para-athletes by 2026, ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games. Developed with the Australian Institute of Sport and Paralympics Australia, the initiative will strengthen pathways and remove barriers for athletes with a disability, backed by $1.32 million in funding from state and federal governments. This milestone builds a stronger para-sport system and creates new opportunities for Tasmanian athletes and coaches to achieve at the highest level.

National Week of Deaf People – Beyond the Game: Young Deaf Athletes of Australia

Deaf Sports Australia has launched “Beyond the Game: Young Deaf Athletes of Australia”, a new video series for the 2025 National Week of Deaf People.

The series features nine young deaf and hard of hearing Australians sharing their journeys in sport and life:

Sienna Compton – multi-award-winning swimmer and gymnast (NSW) with big ambitions
Ethan Powell – basketballer (WA) passionate about creating more opportunities for Deaf people
Calvin Black – lifelong basketballer (VIC) with bold personality and love for the game
Phoenix Courtney – hip hop dancer (QLD) who values independence and accessibility
Jem Blackmore – adventurous rock climber (QLD) who thrives on challenge
Rebekah Fraser – driven swimmer (WA) with an impressive record and go-getter attitude
Rayan Taya – netballer (VIC) encouraging Deaf kids to pursue their passions
Oliad Omar – table tennis enthusiast (VIC) who has played sport from an early age
Chrispine Wilondja – determined footballer (QLD) who believes in hard work and tenacity

The series celebrates diversity in sport, highlights resilience and a “can do” spirit, and shares stories to inspire Deaf and hard of hearing young people, their families, schools, and the wider community.

Media Release Announcing Deaf Sports Australia Patron

Deaf Sports Australia has appointed Cindy-Lu Bailey as Patron, recognising her outstanding community service and respected leadership in sport, particularly deaf sport. As Patron, Cindy-Lu will provide guidance to the Board, represent the organisation at key events, and serve as an ambassador.

Cindy-Lu’s sporting career includes appearances at the Commonwealth Games, Pan Pacific Games, and six Deaflympics over two decades, along with significant roles in mentoring and developing deaf sport nationally. She succeeds Kevan Gosper AM, who was a longstanding ambassador.

“Our Australian Deaf Sport Community welcome Cindy-Lu to her new and exciting role as Patron for Deaf Sports Australia. We know she will be a wonderful role model for all and we look forward to working with her to help grow our deaf sports profile nationally and internationally,” says Hannah Britton (DSA President).

You can see the interview with Cindy-Lu in Auslan via – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPRxL3n22so.