Working closely with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs through its Asian Sports Partnership program, Sport Inclusion Australia’s CEO Robyn Smith and Basketball representative Kelly Bowen returned to China this week to continue developing opportunities for young students with an intellectual impairment.  Smith and Bowen made their first visit to China in May this year delivering basketball programs to students and teachers at a special school in Shenzhen.   This week’s visit was the second phase of the program and saw Bowen continue the coaching program, while Smith met with members of the Chinese National Paralympic Committee in Guangzhou to coordinate an Eligibility Forum.

The aim of the program is to enhance the basketball skills of children with an impairment primarily girls and to build the capacity of local coaches and to be fully inclusive and ensure these initiatives are sustainable.  The Eligibility Forum is the next stage of the program which will help to share the eligibility procedures and processes necessary for an athlete to compete on an International level in an INAS or Paralympic pathway.

Sport Inclusion Australia also worked closely with Basketball Victoria and Emerson School to produce some filmed coaching resources for their Chinese counterparts, which was warmly received.

“It has been a wonderful experience to work with the students and their teachers and to develop the program, but to ensure that this initiative is sustainable we also need to work with the governing sports bodies to start to open up International pathways for the players.”  said Smith

China dominated the medal haul at the Rio Paralympics but did not have one athlete with an intellectual impairment in their team due to lack of accessible eligibility processes.  Since her first visit to China, Smith has been working with her International organization, INAS and local businesses in Australia to look at ways of making the eligibility process accessible to China.    With the aid of Professor Jan Burns, Smith has arranged for the delivery of an Eligibility workshop, the first step in opening up the International pathway for the young players participating in the Basketball program and for all athletes with an intellectual impairment in China.

Smith can’t speak highly enough of the organisations in China who have grasped this opportunity passionately and demonstrated a commitment to inclusion and providing more equitable international opportunities for Chinese athletes.

While Smith and Burns have delivered the Eligibility workshop in Guangzhou, Bowen was working away delivering the basketball program to students and teachers at Yuanping school in Shenzen.  “It has been nearly 5 months since our initial visit and the improved skill level and confidence of students has been amazing” said Bowen.

With the success of the program to date and the acceptance and commitment of the Chinese, Smith is keen to start working on other sports and opening up the program to other countries.  “The funding from the Asian Sports Partnership has enabled us to develop a program model that can easily be transferable to other sports and other countries, and make a difference to the lives of so many people with an intellectual impairment. ” Smith said.    More immediately with the INAS Global Games in Brisbane in 2019, the participation of China is now a reality.

 

For further information please contact:
Robyn Smith, CEO
Sport Inclusion Australia Inc.
T: +61 3 5762 7494
M: 0418 979 459
E: robyn.smith@sportinclusionaustralia.org.au

Sport Inclusion Australia President Wayne Bird was today awarded Life Membership of Sport Inclusion Australia.

Bird becomes only the second life member after organisation founder and initial President Marie T Little OAM in 2006.  Bird took over the Presidency on Little’s retirement in 2011. Bird’s involvement commenced in 2006, when as CEO of Basketball Victoria he attended his first meeting. So impressed by the movement, Bird welcomed the opportunity to join the Board in 2007.

During his time as President Wayne has demonstrated incredible leadership and compassion. A good listener, Bird has led the organisation through major transformation – a new name, brand, significant governance changes, amalgamation with Vicsrapid and the inception of the National Inclusion Alliance, while never deviating from the philosophy.

“Bird has led the organisation with integrity and distinction and apart from his list of accomplishments has not only increased the profile but also the professionalism of Sport Inclusion Australia.” Said Robyn Smith, CEO of Sport Inclusion Australia.

During his tenure Bird has also served as INAS Oceania Chairman from 2013 to 2017.

Achievements

• President of Oceania on INAS Governing Board 2013 – 2017
• Representative of Finance Committee INAS Governing Board 2013 – 2017
• Development of the National Sport Inclusion Alliance
• Support of New Zealand to join INAS
• Successful bid and hosting of the 2017 INAS General Assembly
• Successful bid for the 2019 INAS Global Games
• Formation of the Global Games Sports Company

Contacts
Wayne Bird 0412 112 238
Robyn Smith 0418 979 459

Sport Inclusion Australia is all set to host its 2017 Annual General Meeting and Inclusion Forum at the Melbourne Parkview Hotel on Friday 3^rd November. With over 60 guests attending, including representation from 20 different state and national sport organisations, the day is sure to be a great success. 

Australian swimmers will take on the World’s best at the 2017 INAS Swimming World Championships in Aguascalientes, Mexico from the 29^th of November to the 4^th of December.

Returning to South America after their domination of the pool at the 2015 Global Games in Ecuador, team officials are confident of another strong showing by the small team of 10 swimmers which includes 4 swimmers making their debut for Australia.

Jade Lucy (NSW) and Jaime-Lee Getson (VIC) dominated the pool in Ecuador winning over 10 Gold medals between them.  Both swimmers return with qualifying times that could see them in for a similar haul of medals. Nikesha Harding (NSW) is another swimmer expected to feature amongst the medals in individual events.

Australia’s women dominated the relays in Ecuador and will be keen for another dominant performance in Mexico with  Lucy, Harding and Getson to be joined by India Biesse-Fitton (VIC) and debutants Casey Stevens (NSW) and Bronte Marshall (NSW) in the relay events.

“While most swimmers will have a large number of individual events we look forward to focussing on the relays, which will provide an opportunity for our younger swimmers to experience the pressure of swimming for a medal.”  Herbie Howard (Head Coach)

Patrick Donachie (NSW) debuted for Australia at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics winning Gold in the 4 x 100m Freestyle relay at the age of 17.  17 years later he is still swimming and still representing Australia.  Donachie will contest the men’s 50m Butterfly, Backstroke and freestyle events along with the 100m freestyle and Backstroke in Mexico and hopefully team up with his fellow swimmers in the relays.

“Patrick has been a senior statesman of our swim teams for many years and has been a wonderful team captain and mentor for the younger swimmers, it is a pleasure to have him on our team again.” Tracy Lawrence (Australian Team Manager0

Donachie will be joined by Ben Morrison (VIC) and debutants Ben Stokes (ACT) and Jarrod Lee (QLD) in the relay events.

 

Contacts

Herbie Howard
Head Coach
0439 723 524
herbieh@bigpond.net.au

Robyn Smith
Chief Executive Officer, Sport Inclusion Australia
0418 979 459

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Funding

A self funded team, the team has setup a Mycause page to assist with the cost of representing Australia at these Championships.  Donations can be made to https://www.mycause.com.au/page/159245/australian-swim-team-for-athletes-with-intellectual-impairment

Australian Swim Team

Men
Patrick Donachie (NSW – Campbelltown Amateur SC) 34
Ben Morrison (VIC – Melbourne VIC SC) 26
Ben Stokes (ACT – Woden Valley SC) 17
Jarrod Lee (QLD – Gladstone SC) 16

Women
Casey Stevens (NSW – MLC Marlins SC) 18
Jade Lucy (NSW – SLC Aquadot SC) 20
India Biesse-Fitton (VIC – Vancouver Pacific SC) 18
Jamie – Lee Getson (VIC – Melbourne Torpedoes SC) 18
Nikesha Harding (NSW – Aqua Blitz Toongabbie SC) 18
Bronte Marshall (NSW – Sydney Swim PLC) 18

 

 

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation and the Global Games Sports Company working together to support the development of inclusive sport to challenge perceptions, change attitudes and strengthen communities locally and globally.

The Global Games Sports Company (GGSC) and the The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding in which both organisations will share knowledge before, during and after the Commonwealth Games in April 2018.

The leadership teams from both organisations will work together to identify potential legacy projects, initiatives and programs that benefit both events. Over the term of the agreement the Global Games Sports Company will work closely with GOLDOC and their workforce team to identify opportunities for volunteers and paid team members to transition or reengage with the Global Games Sports Company on the development and delivery of the 2019 INAS Global Games.

“This is a monumental occasion for the area of inclusion and testament to the role sport plays in Australia to provide opportunities and pathways for athletes with an impairment.” said Robyn Smith

“GOLDOC is committed to ensuring that the 2018 Commonwealth Games leaves a lasting legacy for all Australians on the power of sport to change lives.   We are delighted to be working with the Global Games Sports Company in sharing information to assist the delivery of the INAS Global Games – Brisbane 2019” Mark Peters, CEO GOLDOC stated

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will take place 4-15 April and will be the largest sporting event in Australia since the Sydney 2000 Games.  

The 2019 INAS Global Games will see more than 1000 elite athletes with an intellectual impairment compete across 9 internationally sanctioned sports at some of Brisbane’s iconic/international sporting venues.

In addition to the 9 internationally sanctioned sports organisers will also showcase the sports of Netball, AFL, Cricket and Hockey during the Games.

“We are excited to bring the Games to Brisbane and to work with the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council, to deliver the best Games ever, Australia did it in Sydney in 2000 and we have no doubt with the support of the Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council and the State and National Sporting organisations and over 300 volunteers that we will do it again here in Brisbane in 2019.”  said Robyn Smith, CEO of the Global Games Sports Company.

 

Media Contact
Robyn Smith, CEO Global Games Sports Company
0418 979 459

The Global Games Sports Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Accor Hotels as the Official Provider of Accommodation for the 2019 INAS Global Games.

After an extensive review of options to accommodate the 1000 plus athletes, 500 officials along with families and friends that will visit in Brisbane over a 10-day period, Accor was chosen based on its capacity, its expertise and its commitment to the Vision of the Games – to challenge perceptions, change attitudes and strengthen communities both locally and globally.

Matthew Young –  Vice President Operations Accor Hotels commented, “We are delighted and honored at our appointment as the official accommodation provider for this major international sporting event.   Accor Hotels is committed to continuing to use our considerable experience and expertise in the accommodation services sector to support the Global Games Sports Company to deliver a first class event for the 1000’s of visitors to Brisbane in 2019.”

AccorHotels, as the world’s leading hotel operator with 4,100 hotels in 95 countries, welcome over 120 million guests and serve 200 million meals each year.

We are fully aware of the challenges this represents and of our responsibility as a company and economic player, so we have always been fully committed to limiting the negative impacts of our activity and creating tangible benefits for our employees, guests, suppliers, partners and host communities. With our 240,000 employees demonstrating, on a daily basis, their commitment to providing a warm welcome and excellent hospitality for all our guests, we see our corporate social responsibility process feeding into every aspect of the Accor Hotels business.

“During the Global Games we will need to provide more than 20,000 bed nights and almost 80,000 meals over the period of the Global Games and needed to bring together a group of hotels with the ability to do this in a well coordinated manner we have found this solution with Accor Hotels”, said Ms Robyn Smith CEO of the Global Games Sports Company.

Accor Hotels that will provide accommodation during the Global Games include Sofitel Brisbane Central, Pullman and Mercure Brisbane King George Square, Quay West Suites Brisbane, The Sebel Brisbane, Novotel Brisbane, Novotel Brisbane Southbank, Mercure Brisbane, Ibis Brisbane and Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth street.

Media Contact
Robyn Smith, CEO Global Games Sports Company
0418 979 459

Assistant Minister of State Assisting the Premier Jennifer Howard MP, launched the countdown to the 2019 INAS Global Games today at a function held in Brisbane today.

“The Queensland Government is proud to be the presenting partner of the INAS Global Games – Brisbane 2019, and I have no doubt Brisbane will be an amazing host city for this international event,” Ms Howard said.

“The Games will be a week-long championship, celebrating ability and promoting the power of sport to achieve social cohesion.”

“Athletes will compete across nine internationally sanctioned sports including: athletics, basketball, cycling, futsal, rowing, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, and tennis as well as a number of demonstration sports in many of Brisbane’s World Class venues.”

“This is such a wonderful legacy event following the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).”

The 2019 INAS Global Games will see more than 1000 elite athletes with an intellectual disability compete across 9 internationally sanctioned sports at some of Brisbane’s iconic/international sporting venues.

In addition to the 9 internationally sanctioned sports organisers will also showcase the sports of Netball, AFL, Cricket and Hockey during the Games.

“We are excited to bring the Games to Brisbane and to work with the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council, to deliver the best Games ever, we did it in Sydney in 2000 and we have no doubt with the support of the Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council and the State and National Sporting organisations and over 300 volunteers that we will do it again here in Brisbane in 2019.”  said Robyn Smith, CEO of the Global Games Sports Company.

Along the way organisers hope to use the Games to challenge perceptions, change attitudes and strengthen communities locally and globally, leaving a lasting legacy for the people of Brisbane, Queensland and Australia of the power of sport to break down barriers and create social inclusion.

Ms Howard said the Queensland Government was committed to ensuring people with disability could live the life they choose and have every opportunity to be involved.

“We want to create a better future by driving the changes we need to ensure our state is more inclusive and that people with disability can participate fully in all aspects of our communities,” Ms Howard said.

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Media Contact
Robyn Smith, CEO Global Games Sports Company
0418 979 459

www.globalgames2019.org

Brisbane athlete Andre Rivett will compete in the SU-DS Athletics Championships in Portugal starting on Thursday 12 October.  Australia’s sole and first representative at the Athletics World Championships for athletes with Down Syndrome departed Australia on Sunday excited, nervous and confident.

Sport Inclusion Australia CEO Robyn Ssmith was in Brisbane to wish Andre well as he embarks on his first World Championships.

“Andre is Australia’s first athlete to compete at these championships, it was a significant moment for Andre and Sport Inclusion Australia, so I was pleased to be able see him off and wish him and his mother and father all the best for the Championships.  We hope Andre’s performance will encourage more athletes to compete and hopefully represent Australia at the next opportunity.”  Smith said.

In all of his recent competitions Rivett has thrown personal best performances in the shot put and discus events, performances that put Rivett in medal contention based on previous World Championship results.

“Andre is focussed on personal bests and hopefully that will be good enough for a medal, but if not that’s OK.” Said Steven Rivett, Andre’s father who is travelling with Andre as Coach.

Andre’s events are as follows:
• Javelin  13 October at 3:00pm (Portugal), Midnight (Brisbane)
• Discus   13 October at 4:00pm (Portugal), 1am on the 14^th (Brisbane)
• Shot Put 15 October at 11:00am (Portugal), 8:00pm (Brisbane).

For more information on opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairment and or down syndrome please contact:

Robyn Smith on 0418 979 459

In 2014, Sport Inclusion Australia (Formerly AUSRAPID) Board decided to create a scholarship to acknowledge the immense contribution throughout Australia which Marie T Little made to social inclusion for people with a disability using sport as the medium.

Marie was involved in developing the guidelines just before she became ill and sadly passed away.

The scholarship of $1,500.00 is available to assist one athlete to enhance their journey as an athlete.

Please download the guidelines and application form below if you have an athlete whom you deem suitable.

• Marie Little OAM Champions Scholarship Program (PDF)
• Champions Scholarship Application Form (Word Doc)

If you have any further questions please contact the Sport Inclusion Australia office.

The Australian team of athletes with an intellectual disability attended the 1992 Paralympics in Madrid from 15 to 22 September 1992.  Over 1600 athletes competed at the Games across 5 Sports: Athletics, Basketball, Futsal, Swimming and Table Tennis.  Australia competed in all sports except Table Tennis. Australia’s team of 51 athletes and 18 officials finished on top of the medal tally with a total of 31 medals (13 Gold, 10 Silver and 8 Bronze).

Chef de Mission of the Australian team and AUSRAPID official, Marie Little,  acknowledged the historical moment in her opening comments ‘The historical coming together of elite athletes with a disability [on the] Australian Team, albeit competing at two locations in the 1992 Summer Paralympics, Barcelona and Madrid, was a great achievement’

Swimmer Joseph Walker won nine gold medals and newspaper reports likened his medal success to multiple Olympic gold medalist Mark Spitz. Swimmers Joshua Hofer and Rene Hardenbol won five gold medals.  Women’s basketball team now known as the Pearls won the gold medal.

Indigenous athletes Donna Burns and Alice Toogood entertained athletes in the Village with a demonstration of Boomerang  throwing.

When the athletes from Madrid arrived home they were specifically invited and enjoyed the impressive public reception in Sydney. Marie Little described what this meant to those who were involved in the Madrid competition: I don’t think any participant will experience a similar feeling ever – the superb Fairstar dinner and the unbelievable Tickertape Parade were mind blowing – my heart was pumping, my eyes misty, my throat choked – in the crowd British Airways staff, bankers and paper sellers, little kids and their mums and dads, people in wheelchairs and bouncing babies – bands and music, sunshine and cheers. Little concluded: ‘Thanks to all for thanking the Paralympians’

Queen’s Birthday Awards were announced in 1993, the successes of athletes with an intellectually disability were acknowledged by OAMs with the dedication: ‘for service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paralympic Games, Madrid, 1992’

 

Team Staff

Chef de Mission: Marie T Little OAM

General Team Manager: Jan Sutherland

Administrator: Colleen Bennett

Media Director: Paul Griffiths

Doctor: Susan White

Physiotherapist: Barbara Denson

Male Team Captain: Russell Torrance

Female Team Captain: Sarah Jane Schulze

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Athletics

Women: Madelyn Ehlers, Kaye Freeman, Norma Koplick, Rachel Nugent, Anne Walsh

Men: Wayne Bauer, Anton Flavel, Paul Mitchell, Jason Newman, Michael Stevens, Russell Torrance, Wayne Wright

Head Coach: Scott Goodman

Asst Coach: Robyn Hanson

Manager: Wendy Ey

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Basketball

Women: Lorraine Archer, Tanya Atcheson, Donna Burns, Gladys Delaney, Melissa Gallacher, Fiona Hinds, Annette Kelly, Tina Kenna, Christine Humphries, Alice Toogood

Head Coach: Margaret Sheriff

Manager: Robyn Smith

 

Men: Michael Atcheson,Michael Glover, David Henry, Tony Hopewell, Mark Konings, John Lettice, Rodney Meddings, Lee Medwin, Dean Papworth, John Wright

Head Coach: Mark Walker

Asst Coach: Tony Guihot

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Futsal

Men: Jurgen Berens, Stephen Choat, John Fitter, Mark Harvey, Rob Lewis, Luis Marcellino, Willy Moen, Raymond Neaves, John Ruiz, Tony Thompson

Head Coach: Terry Pearce

Asst Coach: Jack De Cesco

Manager: Bruce Drake

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Swimming

Women: Brigit Bromhead, Sarah Jane Schulze, Stacey Smith, Justine Van Eyssen

Men: Jason Cooper, Rene Hardenbol, Joshua Hofer, Tim Krahe, Joseph Walker

Head Coach: John Boland

Asst Coach: Mark Lucas

Manager: Jill Gates

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Medallists

 

Athletics                                

Gold: Anton Flavel (WA) – Men’s Javelin

Silver: Madelyn Ehlers (QLD) – Women’s Shot Put

Silver: Madelyn Ehlers (QLD) – Women’s Discus

Silver: Paul Mitchell (WA) – Men’s 1500m

Bronze: Anton Flavel (WA) – Men’s High Jump

Bronze: Anton Flavel (WA) – Men’s Discus

Bronze: Kaye Freeman (QLD) – Women’s Javelin

Bronze: Racquel Nugent (QLD) – Women’s Long Jump

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Basketball            

Gold: Lorraine Archer (NSW), Tanya Atcheson (NSW), Donna Burns (VIC), Gladys Delaney (VIC), Melissa Gallacher (SA), Fiona Hinds (NSW), Annette Kelly (SA), Tina Kenna (TAS), Christine Humphries (VIC), Alice Toogood (SA)

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Swimming           

Gold: Joseph Walker (NSW) – Men’s 100 m Freestyle

Gold: Joseph Walker (NSW) – Men’s 200 m Freestyle

Gold: Joseph Walker (NSW) – Men’s 400 m Freestyle

Gold: Joseph Walker (NSW) – Men’s 50 m Butterfly

Gold: Joseph Walker (NSW) – Men’s 100 m Butterfly

Gold: Rene Hardenbol (WA) – Men’s 200 m Backstroke

Gold: Joshua Hofer (WA) – Men’s 100 m Backstroke

Gold: Joseph Walker (NSW), Joshua Hofer (WA), Rene Hardenbol (WA), Jason Cooper (TAS) – Men’s 4 x 50 m Freestyle

Gold: Joseph Walker (NSW), Joshua Hofer (WA), Rene Hardenbol (WA), Jason Cooper (TAS) – Men’s 4 × 100 m Freestyle

Gold: Joseph Walker (NSW), Joshua Hofer (WA), Rene Hardenbol (WA), Jason Cooper (TAS) – Men’s 4 x 50 m Medley

Gold: Joseph Walker (NSW), Joshua Hofer (WA), Rene Hardenbol (WA), Jason Cooper (TAS) – Men’s 4 × 100 m Medley

Silver: Rene Hardenbol (WA) – Men’s 100 m Freestyle

Silver: Rene Hardenbol (WA) – Men’s 200 m Breaststroke

Silver: Joshua Hofer (WA) – Men’s 50 m Butterfly

Silver: Joshua Hofer (WA) – Men’s 100 m Butterfly

Silver: Joshua Hofer (WA) – Men’s 50 m Backstroke

Silver: Joshua Hofer (WA) – Men’s 200 m Backstroke

Silver: Justine Van Eyssen (SA), Stacey Smith (NSW), Brigid Bromhead (ACT), Sarah-Jane Schulze (NSW) – Women’s 4 × 100 m Freestyle

Bronze: Joshua Hofer (WA) – Men’s 200 m Freestyle

Bronze: Joshua Hofer (WA) – Men’s 400 m Freestyle

Bronze: Justine Van Eyssen (SA), Stacey Smith (NSW), Brigid Bromhead (ACT), Sarah-Jane Schulze (NSW) – Women’s 4 x 50 m Freestyle

Bronze: Justine Van Eyssen (SA), Stacey Smith (NSW), Brigid Bromhead (ACT), Sarah-Jane Schulz (NSW) –  Women’s 4 x 50 m Medley

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Results

Athletics

Anton Flavel (WA): Javelin (Gold)  51.52m, Discus (Bronze) 27.0m, High Jump (Bronze) 1.69m

Kaye Freeman (QLD): Javelin (Bronze) 24.16m

Racquel Nugent (QLD): Long Jump  (Bronze) 4.33m

Madelyn Ehlers (QLD): Discus (Silver) 21.32m, Shot Put (Silver) 8.61m

Paul Mitchell (WA): 1500m (Silver) 4:19:64

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Basketball

Women                 

Australia 48         France 27 (Donna Burns 22 pts);

Australia 47         Greece 32 (Donna Burns 31 pts);

Australia 65         Brazil 14 (Donna Burns 36 pts, Christine Humphries 13 pts) ;

Australia 60         Great Britain 19 (Annette Kelly 18 pts, Alice Toogood 12 pts, Donna Burns 12 pts).

 

Final

Australia  53
Greece 21
(Donna Burns 24 pts, Christine Humphries 14 pts, Alice Toogood 8 pts,Annette Kelly 7 pts),

The Australia women’s 53-21 win over Greece was Australia’s first medal win in Olympic or Paralympic Basketball.

 

Men

Australia 131  Jordan 13

Australia 65    Great Britain 20 (David Henry 28 points, Tony Hopewell 10 points);

Australia 54    Dominican Republic 111 (Tony Hopewell 20 points, David Henry 14 points);

Australia 19    Puerto Rico 137

Australia finished 7^th overall

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Futsal

Australia 5            Czech and Slovak Republic 1 (Mark Harvey 1, Stephen Choat 1, John Fitter 1, Rob                                 Lewis 1, John Ruiz 1) ;

Australia 3            Germany 3-7 (John Ruiz 2, Mark Harvey 1);

Australia 6            Colombia 0 (Ray Neaves 2, Mark Harvey 2, John Ruiz 2);

Australia 0            Greece 5

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Swimming

Australia finished first on the swimming medal tally winning 23 medals – 11 gold, 7 silver and 5 bronze medals.  Joseph Walker won nine gold medals out of nine events which at the time was unmatched in Australia’s Paralympic history.  Joshua Hofer won eleven medals including five gold. Rene Hardenbol won seven medals including five gold. The Men’s relay team won four gold medals in world record time.  The women’s relay team winning a silver and two bronze medals.