Not sure where to start? Programs that can help you get into sport

Sport can be about much more than staying active. It can be a chance to meet new people, build confidence, learn new skills and become part of a community. 

While many people still think sport is only for elite athletes, the reality is that there are opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and experience levels to get involved. In fact, 75% of Australians living with disability want more opportunities to play sports. 

Taking up a new activity can be exciting but it can also feel daunting, especially when understanding what's available and connecting with an accommodating club or program isn't always straightforward. 

The good news is that there are organisations and programs across Australia dedicated to making sport more accessible and inclusive. Whether you're looking to try a sport for the first time, meet new people or take your participation further, there are plenty of places that can help you get started. 

Programs to help you get involved 

Abilities Unleashed 

Disability Sports Australia runs the Abilities Unleashed program, a transformative initiative in the disability sports sector. It is aimed at fostering active lifestyles for people with disabilities, and its unique partnership approach makes it perfect for you to attend an event nearby. The program’s heart is its come-and-try ethos, meaning you don’t need to be an expert; it’s about helping you take that first step to try a sport. 

There are programs for both children and adults, and they are available across Australia. This program creates a safe and inclusive environment where people with disabilities can connect with local adaptive sport and active recreation opportunities. By bringing everyone together, it allows participants to access local resources and services that support their active lifestyle goals.  

Abilities Unleashed isn’t just about sports, it's about connecting people with local opportunities, building confidence and helping participants discover what they enjoy. 

You can find details for this program on Disability Sports Australia’s website, featuring upcoming local events that offer a taste of different adaptive activities. Abilities Unleashed operates through a collaborative framework involving local councils and disability sport providers. It helps improve physical and mental well-being, social engagement, and personal growth. 

National Sporting Organisations for People with Disability (NSODs) 

The National Sporting Organisations for People with Disability (NSODs) is a good starting point for many disabled people who want to be more active. They provide advice, support, and opportunities for people of all ages with specific impairments. 

The nine NSODs are: 

From Paralympics Australia to Special Olympics Australia, these nine pillars of support work tirelessly to ensure that sports are accessible to all. Together, these organisations help create sporting opportunities for Australians with disability across a wide range of sports and activities. 

National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) 

Many National Sporting Organisations offer opportunities for people with a disability to participate and compete through their club networks and affiliated State Sporting Organisations. Training and competition opportunities may be available at the local, state, and/or national level. Some NSOs also offer opportunities for athletes to progress to international competitions such as World Championships or World Games. Training and competition for athletes with a disability may occur in disability-only settings, or in integrated environments with non-disabled athletes. 

In some sports, additional support may be available to athletes selected for high-performance programs, including performance services such as physiotherapy, nutrition and psychology. 

Contact your local club or National Sporting Organisation of interest to find out more about the opportunities to get involved. 

State by state sporting organistions 

Many states and territories also have organisations dedicated to helping people find local inclusive and adaptive sporting opportunities. Here are some resources: 

Paralympics Australia (PA) 

For many people, participation starts at the community level, but it can become part of a pathway that leads to national and even international competition. Paralympics Australia (PA) helps Australians with disabilities participate in sport and compete at the Paralympic Games through partnerships with governments, business, sporting bodies and the community. 

PA can help you understand the sporting opportunities and pathways available to you, and if you are eligible for a Paralympic sport, PA can connect you with local events and providers to get started and try Para sport. 

Visit the Paralympics Australia website to find out more about eligibility for Para sport and to register for more information. 

Using your NDIS funding for Sports Participation 

The NDIS recognises the importance of social and community participation, including sport and recreation. If taking part in sport relates to your NDIS goals, you may be able to access funding for disability-related supports that help you participate.  

This could include supports that help you: 

It's important to understand that the NDIS generally funds the support you need to participate because of your disability, rather than the activity itself. For example, funding may be available for certain assistive technology, support workers or disability-related supports, where they meet the NDIS funding criteria. 

However, everyday costs that everyone pays are generally not covered. This can include things like: 

Whether you're looking to try a new activity, connect with others or explore a pathway into Para sport, there are more opportunities available than ever before. The hardest part is often getting started, but the organisations and programs above can help you take that first step. 

This article is just one chapter from NDSP's free ebook "Get Active, Stay Involved", created in partnership with Paralympics Australia. Inside, you'll find athlete stories, practical information about getting involved in Para sport, and insights into the history, innovation and impact of the Paralympic movement. 

Download the free ebook to explore more stories and discover what Para sport could look like for you. 

Download your free copy now