A new initiative called Pathways to Play is helping people with disability to unlock their potential and have some fun with sports.
Launched by NDIS partner, Social Futures, the program is being rolled out across northern NSW, the Central Coast, and the Far West and Central Western NSW regions.
Pathways to Play aims to provide connections for people with disability aged nine and over, allowing them to participate in a variety of sports.
It could be their first step to the Paralympics, according to Program Co-ordinator and Sydney 2000 Paralympian, David Johnson.
“Pathways to Play is a gateway to something that could be a love for life,” he said.
“Every Paralympian dream started from just giving it a go.
“This is the essence of the program – it’s about giving it a go, and about having fun.”
Known as DJ, Johnson said people with disability faced multiple obstacles when it came to accessing local sporting opportunities in their community.
“Some people might need more support than others to access sports and often, parents and teachers of people with disability are focussed on other areas of their life,” he said.
“For most kids the access is there, the pathway is there, and it’s the norm.
“But people with disability are still being told what they can and can’t do.
“We’re coming to show people with disability there is a pathway and there is access to sport.
“There might be three or four sports that you might try before you settle on one.
“You might not settle on any.
“But at least you can have the opportunity to make that choice.”
Through Pathways to Play, local Social Futures co-ordinators collaborate with various disability sport organisations, clubs and community groups to organise and promote come-and-try sports days.
These events are designed to showcase different types of sports and physical activities in a fun and welcoming environment and offer a space for people with disability to explore their interests in different sports.
Social Futures co-ordinators then provide information and support to people with disability to connect in with local disability sporting opportunities.
“One of the biggest challenges for people with disabilities is a lack of awareness about the opportunities available,” Johnson said.
“And taking that first step can feel overwhelming.”
Johnson was a keen athlete who dreamt of representing his country before a car accident took his dream, along with his leg, when he was 19 years old.
“After my accident I felt lost in society, I had no purpose,” he said.
“Yes, I was alive, that was good.
“But I yearned for sport.
“Disability sports gave me a dream again, and a renewed sense of purpose.
“It’s not just about exercise; it’s about building a life filled with passion and dreaming big.”
Now he wants to give that gift to others.
“Most kids love sport because it’s fun right?” he said.
“This is not any different for people with disability; we want to have fun as well, and playing sport is one way.
“Sports have a powerful impact that goes beyond physical health; they also enhance mental and social wellbeing.
“We want participants to leave our events excited about their potential in sports, whether it leads to new hobbies, friendships, or dreams of competing in the Paralympics.”
The not-for-profit organisation Social Futures is an NDIS partner delivering local area co-ordination services to people with disability aged between nine and 64.
If you or someone you know is interested in the Pathways to Play Program, call 1800 522 679 or email socialfutures@ndis.gov.au
To talk to a local area co-ordinator email socialfutures@ndis.gov.au or call the local area co-ordination hotline on 1800 522 679 (Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm).