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 the 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!
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!
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.
Please select the relevant location below to sign up. We have events coming up across more locations and details will be announced shortly.
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.
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 a club or explore state programs and events that are perfect for all abilities. Start participating in your local athletics community today!
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 click the link below to take the survey.
Australian Athletics proudly presents the DI Education Series in collaboration with our disability sport partners and other sector leaders and experts. Supported by the Department of Social Services (DSS), this series aims to raise awareness and upskill coaches, clubs, volunteers, families and the broader athletics community through a range of online and in person learning opportunities, enhancing their confidence and capability to support participants and athletes with a disability.
Join us for an online workshop, delivered in partnership with Special Olympics Australia, diving deep into inclusive athletics delivery in schools, clubs and community athletics settings.
Date | Thursday 10 July 2025
Time | 6.00 - 8.00 PM (AEST)
Ideal for
The Athletics Learning Centre is home to a range of free courses to support accredited coaches with developing the knowledge and skills to create safe, inclusive and engaging experiences for athletes with disability. Explore the list below.
The Inclusive Sport Academy is an online platform by Special Olympics Australia designed to help coaches, teachers and community members improve the delivery of sport and physical activity for people with an intellectual disability and autism.
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.
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.
Australian Athletics and our Disability Inclusion partners are always there providing support and connecting people with a disability to opportunities in athletics!
