Disability Sports Australia Unveils 'Abilities Unleashed Kids' - A New Chapter in Disability Inclusive Sports
[Image ID - a cover graphic for the media release. Featured are two kids with disabilities being active with a green patterned background. Below is the Abilities Unleashed Kids and MatchWorks logo and text saying ‘Introducing Abilities Unleashed Kids.]
Disability Sports Australia (DSA) is thrilled to announce a significant development in its multi-sport come and try day. DSA's highly successful, core participation product and national program, Activate Inclusion Sports Day program, has evolved, adopting a new name - 'Abilities Unleashed Kids.'
Abilities Unleashed Kids, delivered in partnership with local councils and other disability sport providers, empowers children with disabilities to explore active pathways in their communities. Participants of the initiative experience enhancements in physical and mental well-being, social engagement, and personal growth. This stems from the vast array of activities at the multi-sport come and try day delivered by specialised coaches, including AFL, Basketball, Fishing, Yoga, and Badminton.
The announcement follows the pilot launch of ‘Abilities Unleashed Adults’ - a similar format to the day that supports adults with disabilities’ to be active. The program’s growth this year shows commitment to the incoming National Sport Participation Plan allowing Australians with disabilities to #PlayWell and freely absorb local resources supporting their active lifestyle goals.
The new name sprung from an Abilities Unleashed Kids event in Camden, NSW. A shortlist of suggestions was placed on the walls of the indoor court. Each participant received a sticker to place on their favourite name. The name with the most stickers became the new name for the program. Abilities Unleashed was a clear preference amongst the participants.
[Image ID - a photo from an Abilities Unleashed Kids day in Camden. Featured is a green piece of paper on a wall with gold stickers places on it and black writing saying ‘Abilities Unleashed’.
National Program Manager - Kristy Rohrer expressed enthusiasm about this transformative step, stating, "Abilities Unleashed Kids is a new chapter to our proud program. We feel this new name represents our dedication to promoting active lives for all Australians with disabilities. It brings a smile to our faces seeing our participants’ abilities unleashed at our events.”
The program provides a fun, safe, and inclusive environment for kids with disabilities to connect with local adaptive sport and active recreation opportunities. By collaborating with local inclusive program providers, disability service organisations, and sports organisations, Abilities Unleashed Kids becomes a vital platform for communities to connect with kids with disabilities.
DSA acknowledges the crucial support of MatchWorks and the Australian Sports Commission for Abilities Unleashed, aligning with the program's mission to help people live longer, healthier, and happier lives. An additional thank you to major partner Rosterfy.
DSA is grateful to its founding program partners for their support under its previous name. The organisation looks forward to leading the program into its next chapter where more Australians with disabilities can lead active lives.
To find an event near you, please visit: abilitiesunleashed.com.au
Local Government Authorities are encouraged to explore a partnership delivery option via the contact below.
Council and Media Contact:
Max Reilly
Communications and Participation Officer
Disability Sports Australia
max@sports.org.au
www.sports.org.au
