Changing Lives Through Sport
Changing Lives Through Sport was Disability Sports Australia’s national grassroots disability sport storytelling campaign, delivered in November 2025.
The Challenge
Despite the proven benefits of sport, too many Australians with disability are still left out of sport and physical activity.
Changing Lives Through Sport was created in response to this participation gap.
1 in 5
1 in 5 Australians have disability.
Only 25%
Only 25% of Australians with disability take part in sport or physical activity once a week.
60%
People with disability are 60% less likely to meet national physical activity guidelines compared to people without disability.
The Campaign
Changing Lives Through Sport was Australia’s first national grassroots disability sport storytelling campaign.
Delivered across November 2025, the campaign premiered three stories released weekly, each highlighting how sport builds confidence, connection and community for people with disability.
Alongside these stories, a national call-out encouraged people with disability, their friends, families and the sporting community to share their own experiences, creating a growing national archive of lived experience from across Australia.
The campaign aligned to Play Well – Australia’s Sport Participation Strategy.
Sport changes lives. This campaign shows how
The Stories
James Summerhayes
Through Special Olympics, James found routine, confidence and a sense of belonging. Training, competing and making friends matter as much as medals.
Harriet Caldwell
After acquiring a disability, Harriet discovered wheelchair basketball through her physio. What began as therapy grew into confidence, friendship and a pathway to the National League.
Rae Anderson PLY
A chance encounter at school led Rae from grassroots sport to becoming a Paralympian and Para Matilda. She now mentors young athletes and helps shape programs for people with disability.
National Impact Snapshot
1.19 million
people reached through national media
189,000+
digital campaign impressions
111,000
social video views during the campaign period
10,000+
people clicked through to learn more about opportunities in sport
4
national media features across TV, print and online
$170,084
In earned media value
Share Your Story
The campaign invited people from across Australia to share how sport has shaped their lives — creating a growing national collection of lived experience.
How It Worked
This campaign combined authentic storytelling with digital participation to create nationwide impact
Weekly Story Releases
Three flagship video stories released weekly through November 2025, showing how sport changes lives in different contexts across Australia.
Campaign Hub
A dedicated online hub hosting a wall of stories from people with disability, their families and the sporting community nationwide.
National Reach and Visibility
Coordinated media outreach and targeted digital promotion extending the campaign’s reach nationally.
Promoting Participation
Working with sporting partners to raise awareness of participation opportunities, helping people with disability understand how and where to get involved.
Support the Next Campaign
Changing Lives Through Sport was delivered in 2025 as Australia’s first grassroots disability sport storytelling campaign.
The campaign was supported by partners who shared our vision of increasing participation and visibility for people with disability through sport.
Naming Rights Partner
Lead the campaign with exclusive naming rights and visibility across all activity.
Story Presenting Partner
From $10,000
Present one of the three campaign stories with visibility across video, social and media promotion
Storytelling Platform Partner
From $7,500
Recognition on the digital storytelling platform where people with disability and the sporting community share their stories.
Campaign Supporter
From $1,000
Join as a recognised supporter of Australia’s first grassroots disability sport storytelling campaign.
Changing Lives Through Sport was proudly funded by the Australian Sports Commission through a Play Well Participation Grant. Play Well, Australia’s Sport Participation Strategy, aims to create safe, welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable sporting environments for everyone.
Presenting and Platform Partners
Campaign Supporters
