Disability Sports Australia announced VicHealth, Victoria’s peak health promotion agency has partnered with the organisation as part of the JumpStart! Program.
The organisation joined 122 other organisations in receiving funding and support as part of VicHealth’s Future Healthy initiative.
Through this funding, Disability Sports Australia will work with a wide range of partners to deliver 6 Activate Inclusion Sports Day events across Victoria in late 2022 and early 2023 with a focus on regional communities.
The Activate Inclusion Sports Day program is a ground-breaking initiative focused on providing sporting pathways for students aged 5 – 18 years with a physical, intellectual or sensory disability.
These programs encourage and empower kids with disability to explore sporting and active recreation opportunities in their local community in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.
The program currently is delivered by Disability Sports Australia in New South Wales and Northern Territory and in partnership with local providers in Tasmania, Western Australia and South Australia.
The days will showcase a range of activities in order to promote future participation in physical activity, the program allows for students to identify sports and activities they enjoy and be provided with support and contacts for future participation and pathways.
This funding comes after successful trials at North Melbourne and Geelong of the days earlier this year.
“We’re proud to support Disability Sports Australia in providing more opportunities for kids with disability to get active and connect with their community.,” said Sarah Loh, VicHealth’s Executive Manager of Future Healthy.
“Our JumpStart! Program is all about empowering community-led organisations across the state to support young people to reach their full health potential”
Activate Inclusion Sports Day National Program Manager Kristy Rohrer is thrilled to be delivering more days in Victoria,
“We are always looking for new innovative ways to improve our program and a partnership with VicHealth through this JumpStart! program will help break down some of the barriers children with disability face to their involvement in sports”
“ These days ensure that everyone has the same opportunity to be a part of Australia’s sporting culture, whilst feeling included and empowered to continue their sporting journey’s into their local community.
For more information on this program visit https://www.activateinclusion.com.au/