About Us
Championing Inclusion Through Sport
Sport Inclusion Australia is dedicated to building a fairer, more inclusive sporting landscape-where people of all abilities are welcomed, supported, and celebrated. We work with communities, athletes, and organisations to ensure sport is a place for everyone.
Partners
Our Members
We are proud to work alongside our State and Territory members across Australia towards our vision for greater inclusion through sport so that no one is left behind.
Why We Exist
Creating Opportunities, Changing Lives
Sport Inclusion Australia exist to ensure that people with an intellectual impairment have equal opportunities to participate, compete and thrive in sport. We believe sport provides more – it is a powerful tool for connection, confidence and community.
Inclusivity
We champion accessible, welcoming and safe environments where everyone feels they belong.
Respect
We value every individual celebrating difference and promoting dignity in all we do.
Excellence
We strive for high standards, on and off the field, by supporting athletes to reach their full potential.
Collaboration
We work together with athletes, families, organisations and communities to build lasting change.
Our Journey
Since 1986
Sport Inclusion Australia is proud of its history in pioneering inclusion for people with a disability through the power of sport. Our organisation was established in 1986 as Australian Sports & Recreation Association for People with an Intellectual Disability (AUSRAPID) and over the years has made significant impact supporting the sporting sector to build inclusive pathways.
Sport Inclusion Australia is a founding member of Virtus, the International Federation of Sport for Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment, Paralympics Australia and the Australian Sport Alliance for People with a Disability.
Sport Inclusion Australia brings a national and international reach, focusing on inclusion training, sport diplomacy and advocacy for people with a disability and other marginalised communities with a person-first approach.
For four decades, we have worked to break down barriers, open doors and challenge perceptions to ensure people with an intellectual impairment are recognised and included in every aspect of sport.
The Beginning
- 1986 – AUSRAPID (now Sport Inclusion Australia) was founded by Marie T Little OAM.
- 1989 – First national pathways established in Netball (U17 & U19).
- 1989 – Partnerships formed with AFL, creating FIDA (Football Integration Development Association).
- 1989 –Australian athletes competed at the Virtus World Championships in Athletics and Swimming (Härnösand, Sweden).
Building Pathways
- 1991–1996 – Swimming, Athletics, Indoor Cricket, Basketball, and Tennis introduced national inclusive events.
- 1992 – Australia competed in Athletics, Basketball, Swimming, and Futsal at the Paralympics in Madrid, held alongside the Barcelona Games.
- 1993–1996 – Marie T Little OAM elected to IPC Governing Board and later President of Paralympics Australia.
- 1994–1999 – Inclusive competitions grew: Lord’s Taverners Indoor Cricket Shield, Ivor Burge Basketball Championships, Table Tennis Championships.
Breaking Barriers
- 2000 – Sydney Paralympics: Athletes with an intellectual impairment fully included in Athletics, Swimming, and Men’s Basketball.
- 2004–2005 – Cricket Australia supported international tours; Canberra hosted Virtus World Athletics Championships.
- 2009 – Cycling Australia supported cyclists to compete at the Virtus Global Games.
- Growth across more sports: Equestrian, Lawn Bowls, and Rowing pathways began.
Recognition & Reinstatement
- 2010–2012 – Rowing events added; the Marie Little Shield established for women’s basketball.
- 2012 – London Paralympics: athletes reinstated after exclusion post-2000. Todd Hodgetts won gold (shot put, WR); Daniel Fox and Taylor Corry won silver medals.
- 2014–2017 – AFL Inclusion Carnival launched; Swimming Australia first to include II-2 events; Lisa Llorens inducted into Virtus Hall of Fame.
- 2016 – Sam von Einem won Paralympic silver in Table Tennis (Rio).
- 2019 – Brisbane hosted the Virtus Global Games, with expanded inclusion in Cycling and Triathlon.
Expanding Inclusion
- 2020–2023 – New pathways in AusCycling, Tennis (II-2 & II-3), Golf, Ten Pin Bowling, Karate, Judo, Sailing, and Touch Football.
- 2021 – Athletes competed in Tokyo Paralympics (Athletics, Swimming, Table Tennis). Robyn Smith OAM elected to IPC Governing Board.
- 2022 – Brisbane hosted the inaugural Virtus Asia Oceania Games, with expanded inclusion in Cycling and Triathlon.
- 2022 – Karate, Judo, and Sailing introduced events at national championships.
- 2023 – Australia hosted the Virtus Cycling World Series event.
Towards Brisbane 2032
- 2025 – Australia hosted the Virtus World Athletics Championships.
Building capacity in the Pacific, Asia and globally through Virtus and international partnerships. - Working towards greater recognition of athletes with an intellectual impairment across more Paralympic and international sports.
- Championing inclusion, safeguarding and athlete leadership on the road to Brisbane 2032.
Our People
Our Leadership Team
Chantel Lewis
Chief Executive Officer
Robyn Smith OAM
International Engagement Advisor
Helen Croxford
President
Luke van Kempen
Vice President
Aaron Morse
Board Member
Lorraine Landon OAM
Board Member
Prof Emma Sherry GAICD
Board Member
Denver D’Cruz
Board Member
Rebecca Burke
Board Member
Supporting Champions
Every donation, big or small, makes a difference.
We believe the impact is more that the sport— it’s a lifelong path for inclusion, confidence, leadership and community.