Meet Rae Anderson, Paralympian and Program Coordinator for Activate Inclusion Sports Days and Start Up Kidz

“My name is Rae Anderson, I am the Project Coordinator for the Activate Inclusion Sports Days (AISD) and Start Up Kidz program for Disability Sports Australia. I was offered this role and jumped at the opportunity to be involved in such an important program and wonderful organisation.

As a summer Paralympian myself competing at the Rio 2016 Paralympics in discus and javelin, I know the benefits, experiences and opportunities sports and recreational activities provide. These type of programs are so important for young, future athletes; as it took a chance meeting with an Australian World Record holder and Paralympic gold medallist with Cerebral Palsy for me to know about the Paralympics and adaptive sports.

These programs are a great pathway for students to learn about their local sporting community, try new sports and develop not only self-esteem and sporting skills, but also meet new friends and develop their own future sporting goals.

I competed for my school in able bodied sports including soccer, hockey, oz tag, futsal and athletics; with the goal of one day competing for Australia in soccer - having Cerebral Palsy and learning about the Paralympics made that goal a possibility. My goal now, is not only to compete for Australia, but to become Australia’s 7th Summer and Winter Paralympian and of course, win gold for Australia at the Paralympics.

I am currently training full time for the Winter Paralympics in Alpine Skiing and working for Disability Sports Australia has allowed me the opportunity to give back to sport, support the next generation of athletes and sports lovers, as well as support my financial needs to qualify for the Beijing 2022 Paralympics.”

Rae Anderson
Paralympian/Project Coordinator - AISD, Start Up Kidz