Category Inclusive Sport   Show all

  • The Start Line: Calling all future Paralympians

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    Paralympics Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport are on the hunt for talented athletes with disability who dream of competing at the highest level. Whether you're passionate about sports, exercise, or already competing, this could be your moment to shine! 🌟

    If you're 13 or older on or before 31 December 2024, why not see if you have what it takes to be a future Paralympian?

    Wheelchair athletes for 100m to marathon events are in high demand, as well as seated throw athletes (discus, shot put, javelin, and club throw).

    Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!

    Find out more about The Start Line Program: https://www.paralympic.org.au/the-start-line/

    Read more: https://www.paralympic.org.au/2023/08/australian-government-boosts-paralympians-talent-search-for-brisbane-2032/

    👉 Apply now! Fill out the form via the link below and share this exciting news with your friends, family, and networks. Let's make dreams happen! đŸ’«

    Talent Search: https://shorturl.at/l5Grm

    Athletes with disability at the recent Come n Try Day at Griffith UniversityAthletes with disability at the recent Come n Try Day at Griffith University


  • Winning Medals with Equity and Diversity: A symposium championing equity and diversity in Paralympic sports

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    Front page of the Invitation with Griffith University Logo and a colour image of paralympic champion Madi de Rozario sitting in her racing chair. Text: Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability “Winning Medals with Equity and Diversity: A symposium championing equity and diversity in Paralympic sports. Friday, 8 November 2024, 9 am-3.30 pm, Online event.

    Griffith Inclusive Futures, a proud member of the Queensland Para Sport Network for Performance Enhancement and Applied Research (QPSN) is thrilled to host:

    Winning Medals with Equity and Diversity: A symposium championing equity and diversity in Paralympic sports

    Friday, 8 November 2024, 9 am–3:30 pm, Online Event

    This symposium, hosted by Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, as a member of the Queensland Para Sport Network, brings together interdisciplinary researchers, community partners, and athletes to amplify the vital role equity and diversity can play in improving the performance of Paralympic teams and enabling athletes to compete at the highest possible standard.

    The symposium will explore equity and diversity in elite paralympic sport through the lens of exercise and sport science, social justice, tourism and leisure, sport management, disability rehabilitation and inclusion. Building toward the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032, this is a key opportunity for participants to incorporate the pillars of equity and diversity into their performance programs and research to drive performance.

    EVENT SCHEDULE

    9.00 am–9.30 am
    Keynote Introduction: Winning Medals with Equity and Diversity

    10.00 am–12.30 pm
    Performance Priorities Lightning Round
    Gender Equity and Paralympic Sport
    Optimising Participation and Performance for First Nations and CALD Athletes
    The Paradox of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Paralympic Classification
    Equity and Design Thinking in Technology Innovation for Improved Performance
    Creating Environments to Optimise Performance of Athletes with High Support Needs

    1.00 pm–3.00 am
    Panel Discussion: “Ethical Decision Making - Inclusion Versus Equity?”

    3.00 pm–3.30 pm
    Closing remarks and event concludes

    SAVE THE DATE

    Friday, 8 November 2024
    9 am–3.30 pm

    The symposium will be hosted online on Microsoft Teams.

    This is an accessible event with live captions. Auslan interpreting is available upon request.

    Register now: https://forms.office.com/r/LBHEY9iktm

    Back page of invitation: Text as per caption. Registration QR code or via URL: https://forms.office.com/r/LBHEY9iktm. Logos of partners: Queensland Government, QUT, The University of Queensland, Sporting Wheelies and Griffith University. CRICOS: 00233E; TEQSA: PRV12076.


    CONTACT US

    Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
    inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au

    Dr Kelly Clanchy
    Program Director – Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology
    Griffith University
    k.clanchy@griffith.edu.au



  • Pathways to Care: Celebrating Strength, Skill, and Sportsmanship in the Queensland Wheelchair Football League Grand Final

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    This weekend, the excitement is palpable as the AFL Wheelchair Morningside Panthers prepare to compete in the Grand Final at Nissan Arena. Their journey to the Queensland Wheelchair Football League (QWFL) Grand Final is a testament to their unwavering strength, remarkable skill, and exemplary sportsmanship.

    AFL Wheelchair: A New Era in Sports

    AFL Wheelchair, which emerged from a series of "come and try" events, has rapidly gained momentum since the Queensland Wheelchair Football League's inception in 2023. Played as a five-a-side game on a basketball court, this adaptation of Australian Rules Football redefines the sport, promoting inclusivity and equity. In AFL Wheelchair, a kick is performed with a handball, and a handball is an underarm throw, offering a unique twist that challenges players to adapt and excel.

    Foundation and Growth

    The inaugural season saw teams from Beenleigh, Morningside, Ormeau, and Redcliffe lay the foundation for the league. The QWFL not only provides a competitive platform but also serves as a pathway for players to be drafted into the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast SUNS AFL Wheelchair squads for a two-game QClash series which acts as a selection ground for the Queensland State team for the Toyota National Wheelchair AFL Championship.

    Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability

    As a proud sponsor of the Morningside Panthers AFL Wheelchair Team in 2024, Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability celebrates the spirit of sportsmanship and the opportunities that AFL Wheelchair creates for athletes. The support from organisations like Pathways to Care, acting as AFL Queensland’s Inclusion Partner, and Claro Aged Care & Disability is instrumental in fostering an inclusive environment that empowers all players.

    Join the Action

    This Sunday, the action kicks off with the Pathways to Care Kids Come n Try Clinic at 9:45 am on the center court. Following this, the curtain raiser featuring the Morningside Panthers begins at 11:00 am. Captain Michael Dobbie-Bridges will lead the team into the Grand Final, and spectators are welcome to join in cheering them on at Nissan Arena.

    The AFL Wheelchair Grand Final is more than just a game; it is a celebration of strength, skill, and sportsmanship. Come along and witness the rousing performances of these athletes as they redefine what it means to compete with passion and equity in sports. Everyone is welcome to be part of this groundbreaking event!

    Who: AFL Wheelchair Morningside Panthers vs Redcliffe Tigers

    Where: Nissan Arena

    Date: Sunday, 21 July

    Time: 11am (Gates open at 9.30am)

    Clinic: 9.45am (Centre Court)

    Cost: Free entry

    Can’t make the game? Watch the Live stream: https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialAFLQ


    More information:

    Michael Dobbie-Bridges
    Captain, Morningside Panthers
    michael.dobbiebridges@gmail.com

    Jeff Neumann
    AFLQ Participation and Programs Manager
    Schools, Inclusion and Diversity
    jeff.neumann@afl.com.au


    Website: https://www.aflq.com.au/afl-wheelchair/


    Get Social:
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AFLQUEENSLAND

    Twitter: https://x.com/AFLQ

  • Thrilling News: Griffith Inclusive Futures Shines at the 2024 Gold Coast Marathon!

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    Thrilling News: Griffith Inclusive Futures Shines at the 2024 Gold Coast Marathon!

    A massive congratulations to the incredible team from Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability and Griffith University! Our staff, students, and ambassadors showcased their exceptional spirit and athleticism at the 2024 Gold Coast Marathon this weekend.

    Celebrating success! IFRD team members Rebekah Barker and Maretta Mann proudly display their 10km Finishers' Medals.
    Race day smiles from Bek, Adam Sheppard, and Maretta.

    STANDOUT PERFORMANCES

    Geoff Trappett OAM Australian Paralympic legend and Inclusive Futures partner Geoff Trappett dominated the Men’s Open 10km event, clinching first place in his category with a phenomenal time of 30:28. Watching Geoff race is always a thrill!

    Kudos to Adam Sheppard (10km, M40-44), Natasha Price (CPL Wheelchair 10km), and the winners: Jake Lappin (CPL Wheelchair Marathon), Emily Tapp (CPL Wheelchair 10km), and Joshua Brass (Wheelchair 4km).

    A big shoutout to Garth Plank, CEO of Mentor4me, for his incredible behind-the-scenes efforts in launching the first-ever 4km Wheelchair Race this year! Garth's inspiration and coaching were pivotal for Emily Foster, who discovered her passion for wheelchair racing at a City of Gold Coast ‘come ‘n’ try’ event. Thank you, Garth, for all you do for the wheelchair racing community! Read more here: https://goldcoastmarathon.com.au/2024/07/07/race-report-wheelchair-4km-race-joins-the-gold-coast-marathon-presented-by-asics-suite-of-events/

    Dr. Maretta Mann Our dynamic Inclusive Futures Strategic Development Manager, Maretta, blazed through the Southern Cross University 10km Run (F45-49) with a personal best of 51 minutes, securing 19th place in her category. Maretta also joined her family in the Gold Coast Airport 5km Run. Way to go, Maretta!

    Rebekah Barker Inclusive Futures Project Support Officer - a newcomer to running, Rebekah tackled her first competitive 10km (F35-39) event, finishing strong with a personal best of 52:32 minutes, and 41st in her category. Fantastic effort, Bek!

    A montage of images: (L-R) Geoff Trappett OAM, paralympic champion, powers past in his race chair. Dr Maretta Mann together with Geoff Trappett post race.Geoff Trappett OAM, Australian paralympic champion, powers past in his race chair.
    Dr Maretta Mann together with Geoff post-race.

    THE POWER OF INCLUSIVE SPORTS

    “Play: Active and Engaged Citizens” is one of the core themes of Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability. This theme focuses on inclusive sport, recreation and access to safe and healthy environments throughout the lifespan. It will respond to the growing disparity in health outcomes for people with disability and aims to increase participation and performance in competitive sport in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.

    Inclusive sports play a crucial role in promoting equality, breaking down barriers, and fostering a sense of community. By providing opportunities for people of all abilities to compete and excel, we not only challenge stereotypes but also inspire others to embrace diversity and inclusivity. Events like the GC Marathon – which has expanded to include three wheelchair events – highlight the importance of making sport accessible to everyone, and showcase the talents and determination of athletes of all abilities.

    Celebrate with Us!

    Hats off to all athletes, including those with disability and chronic conditions, for their outstanding achievements. If you participated, let us know so we can celebrate your success together!

    Amazing job, everyone!

    VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.griffith.edu.au/research/inclusive-futures-reimagining-disability