City of Busselton Council is partnering with Sport4All and APM Communities to host a forum focused on reigniting the conversation about the importance of inclusion and accessibility in all areas of sport within the city.
Decorated Paralympian, Ellie Cole, will speak alongside presenters from APM Communities and the State Government’s Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport to share lived experiences and offer best practice examples.
A strong advocate for the Sport4All program, Ellie claimed her 17th Paralympic medal in Tokyo to become Australia’s most decorated female Paralympian with six gold, five silver and six bronze medals from four Paralympic Games and has also won medals in the IPC Swimming World Championships, Pan Pacific World Championships and Commonwealth Games. She also previously competed in the Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League.
“This forum will enable the City and its partner agencies to introduce the Sport4All onboarding process, demonstrating how clubs, schools, and organisations can take practical steps toward becoming more inclusive. Through Sport4All we aim to identify and empower local inclusion champions, whose leadership can inspire sustainable change in their communities,” said Mayor, Phill Cronin.
New Sport Inclusion Coach, Gemma Harrison, said the Council wants to connect service providers, schools, clubs, and sporting associations to foster stronger networks and partnerships.
“We hope to strengthen collaboration across sectors (sport, education, community, and service providers) and increase awareness of practical inclusion tools and pathways available through Sport4All,” said Ms Harrison.
“I am hoping to establish a clear pipeline of emerging leaders and community champions to carry forward the inclusion message. I hope that people attending the forum will feel inspired from current advocates such as Ellie who will share their personal experiences and insights. This Sports Inclusion Forum will serve to create meaningful dialogue, inspire practical action and support lasting partnerships.”
The forum will take place on Monday 15 September from 5.30pm-7.30pm at the City of Busselton’s Youth and Community Activities Building (YCAB) on the Busselton Foreshore. Anyone interested in attending can register through https://events.humanitix.com/sports-inclusion-forum.
