By Disability Sports Australia Media Team
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 disability, with 75% of those living with a disability wanting to play sport, yet lack of opportunity means that only 25% get to participate.
Bupa’s Customer & Brand Director Matt Prowse said Bupa’s Customer & Brand Director Matt Prowse said that expanding access to sport at a grass roots level will 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 awareness to ensure no one is left behind..”
He added:
“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 for the importance of grassroots sports. Sport supports physical and mental wellbeing, and who knows, we might even help discover the next elite para-athlete.”
Ayden Shaw, CEO of Disability Sports Australia 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 disability can be active in ways that are meaningful to them.”
He continued:
“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 over 6,000 adults and children with disability to try new sports, develop skills, and connect with their communities.
The Accessibility Champions course, established in 2022, supported by the Australian Sports Commission 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 have the same aim of increasing opportunities for participation and raising awareness 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.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Bupa:
Christina Patsias
External Communications Manager, Bupa
Mobile: 0423 060 614
Email: [email protected]
Disability Sports Australia:
Celeste Taylor
Communications Lead, Disability Sports Australia
Email: [email protected]
About Bupa Asia Pacific
Bupa is an international healthcare group committed to helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world for more than 70 years.
Bupa Asia Pacific operates in Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong, supporting about 7.3 million customers through a broad range of health and care services including health insurance, aged care, dental, medical, optical, and hearing services. Employing more than 22,000 people in the region, Bupa invests more than AUD$36 million in partnerships and programs focused on improving community health.
About Disability Sports Australia
Disability Sports Australia (DSA) is a national non-profit, registered charity, and National Sporting Organisation for people with disability, dedicated to increasing participation in grassroots sport.
For over 60 years, DSA has been at the forefront of disability sport in Australia, starting with wheelchair sports and continually expanding opportunities for people with disability across the country. Today, DSA is disability-agnostic, focusing on building the capability of sports organisations to ensure inclusive and accessible opportunities for people with disability.
Our goal is to raise awareness of the positive impact sport can have, remove barriers to participation, and build a future where sport is inclusive for all Australians.
