Able With Athletics

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Expanding access and increasing participation in athletics for people with a disability

At Australian Athletics, we're on a mission to open up the world of athletics to everyone, regardless of ability. We believe that athletics is for everyone, and our new Able With Athletics program is here to make that a reality. 

This exciting initiative is all about breaking down barriers and creating welcoming, accessible pathways for children and young people with disabilities to participate in athletics. We know that the benefits of being active extend beyond the track, positively impacting physical, mental, and social well-being. That’s why we’re committed to ensuring every child has the chance to experience the thrill of athletics, no matter their background or ability.

Join us in expanding the horizons of athletics, raising awareness, and building a more inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to shine!

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

We are excited to bring to you the Able with Athletics Come n Try Days, co-designed with our partners to provide a fun, social, and inclusive introduction to athletics for children with a disability and their families. These welcoming days will allow participants to explore a variety of athletics disciplines as well as an opportunity to learn about classification and their pathways journey. Each activity is carefully adapted to meet the unique needs of every child, ensuring they can fully engage and enjoy being active. Families can also join in, connect with coaches and experts, and access valuable resources, making it a memorable day for all!

Deliver an event

If you are interested in running an Able with Athletics - Come and Try Day at your local club, organisation or facility, please get in touch with anshul.thakran@athletics.org.au. 

How to register

Please select the relevant location below to sign up. We have events coming up across more locations and details will be announced shortly.

 

Sydney, NSW

Next Athletics

Next Athletics is the official junior athletics program for kids aged 3-12. The Able with Next Athletics program is an adapted version of Next Athletics, co-designed with our partners to provide a fun, safe and inclusive introduction to athletics for kids with a disability. Each activity is carefully adapted to meet the unique needs of every child, ensuring they can fully engage and enjoy being active. This is Athletics done differently. Fast, games based, foundational skill development.

Click the link below to find upcoming sessions and programs in your location.

 

Find a program

Australian Athletics is dedicated to fostering inclusive participation and development opportunities for all First Nations communities. Athletics for the outback is actively working across the country to expand and enhance programs, ensuring greater access to athletics for all individuals.

Find out more

Find a club or explore state programs and events that are perfect for all abilities. Start participating in your local athletics community today!

Disability Inclusion Survey

The disability inclusion engagement survey is a crucial step in understanding and adapting to the needs of people with a disability and your input is invaluable in helping us design and improve opportunities in athletics for everyone. Please select the relevant link below to take the survey. 

For people with a disability, their families and carers:

Para-Athletics Classification

In Para-Athletics, classification groups eligible athletes with similar impairments to allow for a fair and even playing field. Full information on national classification, impairment groups, and eligibility can be found below. 

 

 

PARALYMPIC PROGRAM

The Paralympic program provides opportunities to compete in paralympic and non-paralympic pathways as athletes develop and progress through their journey in athletics. 

“Para” means alongside. This is the broad term used to identify people with a disability or an impairment within sport.

 

 

Disability Sport Partners

Australian Athletics and our Disability Inclusion partners are always there providing support and connecting people with a disability to opportunities in athletics!

 

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Next Athletics Registrations Are Open

Change up your training with athletics done differently. Run, jump and throw as you develop fundamental skills in a fun, games based program.
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With six months to go until the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, tickets are selling fast. Join 1,000+ Aussies already heading to the biggest sporting event of the year!
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For additional support or if you would like to find out more about programs and initiatives for people with a disability, please contact anshul.thakran@athletics.org.au.

This project is funded under the Department of Social Services Information Linkages and Capacity Building program.

Major Partners

Member Associations

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Australian Athletics acknowledges and pays respect to all traditional custodians of the lands of which we run, jump, throw, walk and roll throughout Australia. We pay respect to elders both past, present and emerging. We are committed to a positive future for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and to honour their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to this country and recognise the role and value of culture.
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