Category: Industry News

Victoria Wheelchair Rugby Program Transitions to Wheelchair Rugby Australia

Wheelchair Rugby Victoria is now managed by Wheelchair Rugby Australia (WRA), marking a new chapter for the sport in the state. After four decades of leadership by Disability Sport and Recreation (DSR), the program’s transition to WRA reflects the sport’s growth and will streamline athlete development under a unified national framework.

WRA, recognised nationally and internationally for wheelchair rugby, will oversee all Victorian programs and work with DSR to keep building participation and opportunities. This move aligns Victoria with other states under WRA, delivering consistent pathways from grassroots to elite level.

Both organisations emphasise their shared commitment to inclusive sport and growth for wheelchair rugby athletes at all levels.

Paralympian and veteran join Play Well group to champion inclusion in sport

Large, bold yellow letters “ASC” are centered on a dark blue background, creating a simple and high-contrast design.

Former military member and Invictus Games competitor Rachel Kerrigan says sport has been life-changing for her — and she’s determined to help all Australians, especially those with disability, access the same life‑changing benefits.

“Sport gave me purpose, connection, and a way forward at a time when I needed it most,” said Kerrigan, now Senior Project Manager at Future Skills Organisation and an AI Inclusion Leader.

She is among ten specialists appointed to the newly formed Disability Sport Advisory Group (DSAG), created as part of the national Play Well Strategy.

Transplant Australia – Team Australia is heading to the World Transplant Games

Transplant Australia is preparing Team Australia for the 2025 World Transplant Games, taking place in Dresden, Germany on August 17 to 24.

Transplant Australia has the honour of sending the national team to this inspirational global event.

The World Transplant Games offer a unique opportunity to celebrate organ donation on the international stage, represent your country, and create lifelong friendships and memories. 55 countries come together and participate in the largest sporting event for transplant recipients worldwide. Staged every two years in different cities by the World Transplant Games Federation, the Games unite thousands of recipients, supporters, and donor families from around the globe.

Bullying No Way Week – Bullying in Sport

August 11 – 15 is National Bulling No Way Week.

What is bullying in sport and what is Bullying No Way Week?

Bullying has no place in sport, but unfortunately, it can happen at any level and affect anyone, from athletes to officials, coaches, parents, and administrators. When bullying occurs, it robs people of their right to participate in sport feeling safe, respected, and supported. Those targeted may experience embarrassment, shame, intimidation, and even lose their love for the game altogether.

Put simply, bullying means repeatedly treating someone in an unreasonable way that risks their health or safety. It can be physical, verbal, psychological, or social, and whether the harm comes from a single person or a group, whether through active involvement or silent complicity, it’s never okay.

In the context of sport, bullying might look like:

An official using aggression or intimidation
A parent telling their child they’re “useless” or “hopeless”
A coach deliberately leaving out or alienating an athlete
A group of teammates isolating or picking on one member
An athlete verbally abusing a referee
An administrator mocking or humiliating a young coach

Bullying No Way Week is an annual event designed to raise awareness about bullying and promote safe, supportive environments in schools, workplaces, and sporting communities. It’s a chance to reaffirm that every participant deserves respect and protection, and to encourage everyone to take action against bullying.

Learn more about bullying in sport and how to get help in the official Sport Integrity Australia guide.

Reference – Sport Integrity Australia Bullying in Sport Guide

Softball Australia and Disability Sports Australia Partnership

Softball Australia and Disability Sports Australia (DSA) are pleased to announce a new partnership via DSA’s Sports Incubator Program.

This partnership represents a significant milestone in Softball Australia’s efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion throughout the sport. With support from DSA, Softball Australia will strengthen its workforce’s capability, promote inclusive participation opportunities, and create welcoming environments for people with disability both on and off the field.

Softball Australia will benefit from specialised support through the program, such as a workshop focused on disability inclusion, joint promotion of DSA’s Accessibility Champion course, and the chance to participate in inclusive sporting events nationwide through the Abilities Unleashed initiative.

Participants Needed for Deakin University Research

Deakin University is conducting an important research project to learn more about how people with intellectual disability manage obesity, and who or what helps them on this journey. Led by Associate Professor Joanne Watson and student researcher Samantha Lilly, this study aims to improve the supports and services available.

If you or someone you know would like to share their experience, Deakin University would warmly welcome your participation.

ASAPD are helping spread the word.

Find out more or consider getting involved today.

Inside Valleys District Cricket Club All Abilities Program

Everyone’s Welcome: Inside Valleys’ All Abilities Cricket Program

Valleys District Cricket Club is proving that sport truly can be for everyone. The club’s All Abilities Program is founded on a core belief that every person deserves the chance to be part of a team, to play, and to belong. The program was developed specifically to provide a welcoming and fun space for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whether a participant has never picked up a cricket bat or has tried other sports and not quite found their fit, Valleys meets them where they are.

The program has expanded to now offer two distinct streams to better cater for different needs and goals:

Foundation Program: Held at Ashgrove Sports Ground on Friday evenings during the cricket season, these sessions blend skill-building activities and modified games. The focus is on enjoyment, not competition. With small group support from a dedicated team of coaches and helpers, this program allows each player to progress at their own pace. This program welcomes participants aged 5 and up. Many participants are neurodiverse, and for many families, it’s the first time their child has felt truly part of a team. Siblings are encouraged to join as well.
Athlete Development Pathway: For teens and adults who are ready to take their cricket further, this pathway runs on Wednesday evenings and offers more structured social games and opportunities for competitive play. Participants may work towards selection for prestigious events like the Queensland Cricket Inclusion Championships or the Special Olympics pathway. Experienced coaches provide support with a focus on skill development and teamwork.

The All Abilities Program is about fostering belonging, friendship, and confidence. Every win, no matter the size, is celebrated. The atmosphere caters for each participant to feel valued for who they are, and encouraged to have fun and grow.

Joining the program is easy. Families can register their interest through the Valleys website (www.valleycricket.org.au/allabilities) or directly contact the club at allabilities@valleycricket.org.au.

Year 3 of the Sport Volunteer Coalition (SVC) Action Plan – Australian Sports Commission

The Australian Sports Commission has released a new report and video as part of the Sport Volunteer Coalition Action Plan. This important work highlights how we can create more inclusive, flexible, and rewarding volunteer experiences across the sport sector.

The Action Plan outlines key steps to support and strengthen volunteering now and into the future.

Explore the report and video HERE.

Wheelchair Sports Australia – A new era for Australian Wheelchair Sport

Today marks the launch of Wheelchair Sports Australia (WSA), signaling a new chapter for disability sport in Australia.

For more than 60 years, State and Territory Wheelchair Sports organisations have drawn on their expertise to provide outstanding sporting opportunities for people with disabilities. Since the late 1950s and early 1960s, pioneering individuals—many of them tenacious, skilled, and dedicated—have played a crucial role in developing wheelchair sport across the country. Their efforts have supported everyone from newcomers just starting out to elite athletes achieving international success.

Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the future of wheelchair sport is shaped by partnerships. WSA aims to unite the skills and knowledge of wheelchair sports organisations with the complementary strengths of State and National sporting bodies that offer wheelchair sport formats.

Snow Australia – Snow Australia launches inaugural adaptive festival for a new era of inclusive snow sports

Two people are skiing together on a snowy slope, holding an orange training bar between them. The person on the left wears a green race bib, blue and white ski pants, and a purple helmet, while the person on the right wears a black jacket, brown pants, and a blue helmet. Residential buildings and another skier are visible in the background under bright sunlight.

Snow Australia continues to create new opportunities for inclusive snowsports with the launch of its first-ever Adaptive Festival, which was launched last weekend.

With the support of Disability Wintersport Australia (DWA), Paralympics Australia, and Snowy Hydro, the event celebrated adaptive skiing and snowboarding at Perisher Resort, with participants based at Sport and Recreation Jindabyne.

Bringing together people from all ability levels, from first-time skiers to Paralympians, the festival provided a rare opportunity to connect, learn, and push boundaries in a supportive and social environment.

Snow Australia Para Alpine Head Coach, Ali Bombardier, said: “The first Snow Australia Adaptive Festival was a huge success with participants coming from across New South Wale, Victoria, and even Queensland to take part. With perfect bluebird days on the slopes, the smiles were huge and the atmosphere electric.”

Across two days of on-snow activity, participants worked with Perisher instructors and Snow Australia High Performance athletes to build skills, gain confidence, and try something new.