Bupa and Disability Sports Australia team up again to make sport more accessible
Bupa is expanding its commitment to Disability Sports Australia (DSA), signing on as a Presenting Partner for their Abilities Unleashed and Accessibility Champion programs.
The extension of the partnership between Bupa and DSA is aimed at increasing participation in sport for people with a disability. Currently, 75% of those living with a disability want to play sport, yet lack of opportunity means that only 25% get to participate.[1]
Bupa’s Customer & Brand Director Matt Prowse said that expanding access to sport at a grass roots level would help remove some of the barriers for participation.
“Sport is a cornerstone of Australian culture, but access isn’t equal for everyone, particularly for those with a disability. The work done by Disability Sports Australia to remove those barriers to make it easier for people to get involved, as well as making it fun, has created pathways and greater awareness to ensure no one is left behind,” Mr Prowse said.
Sport is a cornerstone of Australian culture, but access isn’t equal for everyone, particularly for those with a disability. The work done by Disability Sports Australia to remove those barriers to make it easier for people to get involved, as well as making it fun, has created pathways and greater awareness to ensure no one is left behind.
“The partnership between DSA and Bupa is now in its third year and we are so proud of the work we have done together to not only increase the number of people with a disability participating in sport, but also raise awareness around the importance of grassroots sporting communities. Sport supports physical and mental wellbeing, and you never know, we might even help discover the next elite para-athlete.”
DSA’s CEO, Ayden Shaw, shared his enthusiasm and gratitude about the ongoing partnership that continues to grow and achieve impactful outcomes.
“Sport has the power to transform lives—and everyone should have the chance to experience that. Through our continued partnership with Bupa, we’re breaking down barriers so more Australians with a disability can be active in ways that are meaningful to them,” Mr Shaw said.
“From come-and-try days to lifelong participation, we’re creating real opportunities to connect, thrive, and belong. Together, we’re helping more people get their start in sport, and supporting communities to become more inclusive, welcoming, and active every day.”
The Abilities Unleashed program, now in its third year, has been key to raising awareness of local sport and recreational opportunities for people with disability. To date, DSA has delivered 104 events nationally, supporting more than 6,000 adults and children with disability to try new sports, develop skills, and connect with their communities.
The Accessibility Champions course was established in 2022 and is an online resource designed to help grassroots sporting clubs and leisure providers make their facilities and programs more accessible to people living with a disability. The increased support from Bupa will help expand the program to include in-person workshops in several states.
Disability Sports Australia is also supported by Paralympics Australia and other sports organisations who all share the same aim of increasing opportunities for participation while also raising awareness and education on how to make the world more accessible.
Abilities Unleashed events will continue across Australia from March to December and are open to individuals aged 10 and above. For more information or to register for an event near you, visit here.
