Sport Inclusion Australia Awarded ASEAN-Australia Centre Grant to Strengthen Regional Connections  

Sport Inclusion Australia is proud to announce it has received funding through the ASEAN-Australia Centre Grants Program to deliver its international EmpowerHER Through Sport project. 

Sport Inclusion Australia is one of nine organisations across Australia selected to deliver projects that support the Centre’s mission to strengthen relationships and understanding between Australia and Southeast Asia. 

The project will bring together sporting organisations, leaders and communities from Australia and Southeast Asia to share ideas and experiences about inclusion in sport, especially for women and girls with a disability. 

Around the world, women and girls with a disability often face extra barriers to participating in sport and community life, including limited opportunities, social stigma and fewer leadership pathways. Sport can help break down these barriers by building confidence, connection, belonging and opportunities to lead. 

Sport Inclusion Australia CEO Chantel Lewis said the project reflects the organisation’s commitment to creating more inclusive communities and strengthening opportunities through sport, both in Australia and across the region. 

“This project is an opportunity to strengthen relationships across Australia and Southeast Asia while working together to create more inclusive opportunities for women and girls with disability through sport,” Ms Lewis said. 

“Australia and Southeast Asia have much to learn from one another. By sharing knowledge, experiences and practical solutions, we can help create more inclusive sporting environments, strengthen leadership pathways and build connections that extend well beyond the life of the project.” 

“We know sport can be a powerful vehicle for social change. By sharing knowledge and experiences across our region, we can continue improving how we create sporting environments where more women and girls with disability feel supported, included and empowered to participate, influence and lead.” 

The project will be led by Sport Inclusion Australia’s International Engagement Advisor, Robyn Smith OAM, who has spent decades working in sport both in Australia and internationally. 

“We live in a globally connected world where our athletes compete internationally, and right here in Australia we have communities that are culturally diverse and connected to the ASEAN regions,” Ms Smith said.  

“As Australia’s national organisation for athletes with an intellectual impairment, it’s important that we stay connected to conversations, ideas and developments happening around the world,”  

Sport continues to bridge international borders, and we have the opportunity to improve how we foster inclusion here in Australia and support our neighbours in Asia.” 

Sport Inclusion Australia thanks the ASEAN-Australia Centre for its support of EmpowerHER Through Sport and the important role the Centre plays in strengthening relationships, understanding and collaboration between Australia and Southeast Asia through initiatives such as these. 

To learn more about the ASEAN-Australia Centre, visit the website: www.aseanaustraliacentre.org.au/