Disability Sport and Recreation

16/10/2025

We love seeing our WheelTalk program in action! 💪🏀

It’s always inspiring to watch students connect with real stories of resilience and inclusion and have fun on the court too!

There’s still time to book a WheelTalk for Term 4. Don’t miss your chance to bring this experience to your school!

👉 https://www.dsr.org.au/wheeltalk

16/10/2025

🎉 The Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Festival is back!

📅 Friday 5 December
📍 Crown Riverwalk, Melbourne
🕙 10:00am–2:00pm

Bring your friends and family for a fun-filled day of connection and celebration as we celebrate International Day of People with Disability.

Here’s what to expect:
🎾 Try a range of inclusive sports and recreation activities
🎶 Enjoy live entertainment from DJ Cooper Smith
💡 Explore services and products that champion accessibility

Interested in exhibiting? Applications close Monday 20th of Oct.
👉 Learn more at https://www.dsr.org.au/vdsr-festival

04/09/2025

🏆 We are proud to celebrate India Biesse Fitton as one of our 2025 Elite Sportsperson of the Year winners!

With a sporting career spanning nearly two decades, India has proudly represented Australia across skiing, swimming and triathlon.

In 2025, she achieved outstanding results:
🥉 Bronze medal at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy
⛷️ Top 10 finishes at the Virtus World Skiing Championships in France

India’s quiet determination, athletic excellence and advocacy have not only earned her success on the world stage but also helped create more inclusive opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

👏 Congratulations India, on this well-deserved recognition!

This award is proudly sponsored by InPlace Living

04/09/2025

🎉 The 2025 Sport Initiative or Event of the Year is… Aqua Fit Program!

Victoria’s first-ever inclusive water aerobics program for adults who are blind or vision impaired, Aqua Fit is a collaboration between Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria and Hume Leisure/Hume City Council – Broadmeadows Aquatic & Leisure Centre. Launched in 2021 in direct response to community feedback, Aqua Fit provides a weekly class that removes barriers to participation through:

✅ Specially trained staff
✅ Adapted instruction & reduced noise
✅ In-pool guidance for safety

Since its launch, the program has grown to support participants in improving fitness, managing chronic pain, building confidence and fostering meaningful social connections all in a welcoming, barrier-free environment.

Congratulations to everyone involved in making Aqua Fit a success!

This award is proudly sponsored by Reclink Australia

04/09/2025

🏆 We are thrilled to recognise Dan Pritchard as one of our 2025 Elite Sportsperson of the Year winners.

In 2025, Dan proudly represented Australia with the Aussie Storm, securing bronze medals at the Berlin Nations Cup and the Trakai International Goalball Tournament. Highlights included a famous victory over World No.1 Brazil and a narrow clash with Paralympic champions Japan.

On home soil, Dan was a standout at the 2024 Australian Goalball Championships, earning All Star 6 honours and helping Victoria to bronze. Off the court, he also coached Victoria’s junior team to a podium finish.

Congratulations Dan, an incredible year of achievements on both the national and international stage 🌍

This award is proudly sponsored by InPlace Living.

03/09/2025

Meet Katie Kaminsky – our 2025 Community Team Member of the Year!

As the founder of Adaptive Climbing Victoria, Katie has transformed inclusive sport in Australia. Through her vision, programs and tireless volunteer work, she’s opened the world of climbing to countless people with disabilities. Making the sport more accessible, welcoming and empowering for all 🧗‍♀️

Congartulations Katie 👏

This award is proudly supported by VicHealth , recognising the amazing achievements within our community.

03/09/2025

🏆 Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Bonnie McCarroll!

Bonnie has been a dedicated surf lifesaver since she was five, progressing through Nippers and mainstream competition before making her debut in Adaptive Sport at the 2025 Australian Life Saving Championships. Competing in six youth girls’ events, she took home three gold and three silver medals – an incredible achievement for her first year!

Bonnie’s talent doesn’t stop at the beach. She’s also represented Victoria in multiclass swimming, athletics and cross country, earning national medals along the way. Her determination, trailblazing spirit and achievements make her a true role model for young athletes of all abilities.

Congratulations, Bonnie – what a year! 🎉🌊💪

This award is proudly sponsored by Protect.

03/09/2025

👏 We are proud to celebrate Tom Xie, one of our 2025 Coach or Fitness Leaders of the Year!

Tom has been the heart of the Special Olympics - Melbourne Inner East Swimming Team for more than 14 years, volunteering his time to coach over 30 athletes each week🏊‍♂️

With a background as a national-level coach in China, Tom brings elite expertise to support swimmers with intellectual disabilities in Australia. His dedication has led athletes to success at state, national and international levels – including two silver medals at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.

Tom’s passion, commitment and ability to tailor training to individual needs have made him an incredible leader in inclusive sport.

This award is proudly sponsored by The Owl Insights.

02/09/2025

👏 Congratulations to our 2025 Masters Sportsperson of the Year – Assunta Fogliaro!

Assunta’s journey as a blind paraclimber is nothing short of inspiring. Beginning her competitive climbing career in late 2024, she went on to claim gold at both the Victorian State Titles and Australian National Championships in her debut season.

Assunta’s resilience and determination show that no barrier is too high to climb. Her story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with passion and perseverance.

This award is proudly sponsored by the Carbine Club.

02/09/2025

02/09/2025

The 2025 Active Recreation & Leisure Initiative of the Year is…

Walking and Rolling Together: Accessible Walking Paths for People with Disability by Victoria Walks!

This initiative is transforming outdoor recreation for people with mobility disabilities through a co-designed Accessibility Walks Audit Tool, helping individuals and carers assess and map accessible trails.

The impact is clear:
• 70+ verified accessible paths
• 36,000+ views and 22,500+ users
• Boosting confidence, participation and social inclusion across Victoria

Supported by the Victorian Government and delivered with Scope, DSR and Regional Sport Victoria this program is setting a new standard for inclusive outdoor experiences.

This award is proudly sponsored by Clublinks Management

02/09/2025

🎉 We are excited to celebrate Tara Lake, one of our 2025 Coach or Fitness Leaders of the Year!

Tara has spent over nine years championing disability inclusion at Balwyn Gymnastics Club and as Gymnastics Coordinator for Special Olympics - Melbourne Inner East. She has grown the program from grassroots to international levels, coaching athletes across eight major competitions in the past year.

A qualified physiotherapist, Tara combines expertise with genuine care, creating an inclusive and empowering environment for all athletes.

Congratulations Tara 👏

This award is proudly sponsored by The Owl Insights.