The recent Paralympics in Paris were a breathtaking display of resilience, strength and determination. Athletes from all corners of the world came together to put their incredible talents to the test. Their stories of overcoming challenges, pushing boundaries and achieving greatness reminded us that disability is not a limitation.
Here in Australia, this spirit should fuel the drive for people with disability to explore the empowering world of adaptive sports. These athletes are living proof that everyone can unlock their potential and shine on their own field of play with the proper support and opportunities.
Adaptive sports, also called parasports, are modified so that people with physical or intellectual disability can play and succeed. Almost every sport and recreational activity has adaptive versions so everyone can participate, regardless of ability.
Access to a wide range of sports is essential for a healthier society because people with disabilities often have reduced movement, which can lead to less physical activity and health problems like obesity, heart disease and diabetes.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 89% of adults with disability don’t get enough physical activity, compared to 74% of those without a disability.
When Were Disability Sports Introduced in Australia?
Despite the challenges, adaptive sports in Australia continue to grow. Around 487,000 men and 340,000 women with disability participate in sport-related activities at least once a week. Disability sports in Australia have come a long way since the 1950s when Wheelchair Sports Australia (WSA) was founded. Now called Disability Sports Australia, this group was instrumental in creating a solid sporting culture for athletes with disability.
In 1985, creating the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) was a huge step forward. This group assisted with essentials like funding for disabled sports and giving athletes more access to training, resources and competitions at all levels.
Australia’s dedication to adaptive sports is most obvious in the growth our Paralympic team has seen. Growing from a small team of 12 athletes in the 1960 Summer Paralympic Games in Rome to 159 athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Paralympics, the hard work of athletes, advocates and sports groups fighting for inclusion is making an impact.
Popular Inclusive Sports
Adaptive sports cover many activities. Some of the most popular ones are:
Cycling: Fast-paced and competitive, it’s one of the most popular adaptive sports.
Rowing: There are different types of boats for different disabilities, like seats with back support for those with spinal injuries.
Swimming: A highly competitive discipline focused on speed, skill, and endurance in the water.
Athletics: Track and field events adjusted for athletes with various physical disabilities.
AFL: Played on a basketball court with rules allowing wheelchair use.
Tennis: Wheelchair tennis follows the same rules as regular tennis, but players are allowed two ball bounces.
Visit the sports page on the DSA website for information on where these sports can be accessed in your area!
Benefits of Playing Sports
Playing competitive sports brings lots of physical, mental and social benefits. Physically, it builds strength and helps you stay healthy. Mentally, it boosts confidence and discipline and reduces stress and socially, it supports making friends and creates a strong sense of community. Sports also enable you to set goals and overcome challenges, making you stronger inside and out.
“They told me I would never walk again and now I just got a gold medal.”
Take Alexa Leary, for example, a true symbol of what determination looks like. Once a rising star in triathlons, Alexa’s life took a devastating turn in 2021 when a horrific cycling accident sent her crashing at 70 km/h. She was left with brain damage, blood clots and multiple broken bones, spending over 100 days in the hospital.
Yet, despite unimaginable odds, Alexa refused to let her story end there. With fierce grit, she relearned how to walk and talk and during her rehab, she turned to swimming. Two years later, Alexa made an incredible comeback, representing Australia at the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships. Her resilience shone brightly as she won a gold medal in the Women’s 100m Freestyle S9 and a silver in the Women’s 50m Freestyle S9, narrowly missing the world record, a testament to her unbreakable spirit.
She now proudly holds the world record for the 100m Freestyle s9 event, which she secured in the recent Paralympics. She also won a remarkable 2 golds and a silver medal.
Alexa’s story is just one example of the extraordinary resilience and potential that adaptive sports unlock. From overcoming life-altering challenges to reaching the highest levels of achievement, athletes like Alexa prove that disability is not a barrier but an invitation to rise above.
As the Paralympics in Paris have shown, adaptive sports empower individuals to push beyond their limits, discover their strengths and connect with a community of like-minded champions. With Australia’s growing commitment to inclusivity and support, more people with disability can experience the joy, confidence and sense of purpose that sport can bring. Ultimately, it’s not just about medals; it’s about finding the courage to dream, compete, and believe in the power of possibility.
For information on programs of support that can unlock your potential visit our website or call our friendly team on 1300 009 091
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work, and pay respect to Ancestors, Elders both past, present and the emerging Jarjums.
