Social inclusion using sport as the medium

Michael Thomson is the project manager for Sports Inclusion Australia and writes about the unique competition for elite athletes with intellectual disabilities and the pathways to international competitions. Through partnerships with mainstream sporting clubs, athletes with intellectual disabilities are able to compete at the international level thanks to a new set of disability classifications.

‘Through being welcomed into community sporting clubs, athletes not only have the opportunity to participate and socialise like every other club member, but the benefits from sport have a more profound effect. Sport provides positive life skills, self-esteem, acceptance and a shared passion which allows athletes with a disability to flourish and grow, and – more importantly for the wider community – breaks down barriers.’

Bonus Content

Tim is a member of Down Syndrome NSW and a tennis star! He has been selected to play tennis at the 2019 Global Games in Brisbane in October this year.
The Global Games is the world’s largest sporting event for athletes with intellectual impairment, held once every four years. Tim will be competing in the newly formed 112 Category.

Here is a link to a local news story all about Tim.

https://www.facebook.com/220709751279109/posts/2844314535585271

Stay up to date with the INAS Global Games here

Find out more at Sports Inclusion Australia