By Disability Sports Australia Media Team
Sport has the power to change lives – and for people with disability, it can be truly transformative.
That’s the message behind the “Changing Lives Through Sport” campaign, a new initiative by Disability Sports Australia (DSA) with investment and support from the Australian Sports Commission.
Aligned to Play Well – Australia’s Sport Participation Strategy, the campaign aims to increase awareness, participation and support for inclusive sport opportunities nationwide.
While sport is widely celebrated in Australia, people with disability still face barriers to access and participation. This campaign shines a light on how sport can break down those barriers – building confidence, community and connection for every participant.
Ayden Shaw Chief Executive Officer of Disability Sports Australia said:
“We know that sport changes lives- its not just about competition, its about belonging, confidence and connection”
” Through the Changing Lives Through Sport campaign we want inspire more people with disability to get involved and help make sport truly accessible for everyone”.
The campaign is brought to life through the inspiring stories of athletes whose resilience and determination showcase the transformative power of sport.
Harriet Caldwell- Bendigo, VIC
At just 13 years old, life-long basketball enthusiast Harriet Caldwell felt a “pop” in her back before a game – suffering a spinal cord stroke that left her paralysed from the waist down.
Told she would “never walk again,” Harriet refused to give up her love of basketball. During recovery at the Royal Children’s Hospital, she began shooting hoops from her wheelchair – and soon after, discovered wheelchair basketball.
Less than 18 months later, Harriet has represented both Victoria and Australia, and recently received an invitation to the Australian Wheelchair Basketball Development Program at the Australian Institute of Sport.
Now, Harriet has her sights firmly set on the Paralympics.
“Basketball has always been my passion- and wheelchair basketball has given me a new way to keep that passion alive,
James Summerhayes- Woollahra, NSW
Born with major heart problems and just a 1.5% chance of survival, James Summerhayes has defied all odds to become a dual Special Olympics silver medallist in alpine skiing.
Through the support of inclusive sports programs, James discovered the Special Olympics, which he describes as “a life-changing experience.”
In 2025, he represented Team Australia in Turin, Italy, bringing home two silver medals – on his birthday. He’s also a three-time NSW basketball representative and has been selected to represent Team NSW at the 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games in Melbourne, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics movement in Australia.
“Sport has given me so much confidence and community. I love every moment of it”
Through programs delivered nationwide, Disability Sports Australia creates accessible opportunities for people with disability to participate in grassroots sport, build social connections, and develop new skills.
You can learn more about the campaign here: https://sports.org.au/changing-lives-through-sport/
ENDS
Media contact:
Ayden Shaw
CEO
M: 0411 788 315
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 seeking to expand 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.
Its 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.
