Bupa and Disability Sports Australia (DSA) have launched a new initiative aimed at increasing participation in para-sports nationwide.
The “Try-Para Sport” program will host community events to introduce individuals with disabilities to various para-sports in a supportive environment, aiming to harness the growing interest in para-sports.
With support from Paralympics Australia and other sporting organisations, DSA will provide a platform for partners to showcase para-sport opportunities, connecting participants to local resources.
These events will offer sports such as wheelchair basketball, archery, wheelchair rugby, goalball, and boccia, along with information on how to pursue these sports at different levels.
DSA CEO Ayden Shaw emphasised the importance of these events for community engagement.
“Sport has the power to change people’s lives. Our mission is to enable more Australians with a disability to be more active more often. We know 75% of people with a disability want to play sport, so Bupa’s support at the grassroots level is vital to achieving our ambitions,” he said.
He highlighted the success of previous initiatives, noting the 69 events held last year, which drew over 4,000 participants.
“Partnerships such as the one that we have with Bupa are pivotal in creating and providing sports and active programs and services that deliver more opportunities for individuals with pathways to becoming Australia’s future star para-athletes or just as importantly participating socially,” he said.
Paralympic gold medallist Matthew Haanappel OAM PLY (pictured) underscored the significance of grassroots programs.
“All sporting careers and healthy active lifestyles start at a grassroots level, which is why developing and supporting community-based programs such as this are so important,” he said.
This collaboration builds on Bupa’s existing role as the official healthcare partner of DSA.
Penny Ryan, director of brand APAC at Bupa, stressed the importance of promoting grassroots support, noting the low participation rates among people with disabilities.
“Bupa’s purpose is to help people live longer, healthier, and happier lives, so we are very excited to put this purpose into action with Disability Sports Australia. Being active is one of the best ways to stay healthy, but it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to sport,” she said. “The Bupa Try Para-Sport program is a great first step for people living with a disability to get their start in sport. Bupa’s support will enable more events to be held around the country, meaning more people will get the opportunity to participate.”
Scheduled for October and November, these events are open to individuals aged 10 and above.
The para-sports partnership follows Bupa’s allocation of $520,000 for community initiatives in Australia and New Zealand.
