Disability Sport & Recreation

🎄✨ Merry Christmas from all of us here at DSR! 🎅💫 As the holiday season fills the air with joy and hearts with gratitude, we want to take a moment to thank you all for being part of our journey this year. Wishing you a safe, happy holiday season, we'll be open aside from public holidays during the break with our full team back on Monday 6 January. #MerryChristmas #HappyHolidays #FestiveSeason

When Willeke watched her son Jacob play wheelchair rugby for the first time, she felt quite emotional. “It was wonderful… just the smile on his face! The happiness it gave him.” Jacob loves sport. But when you’re in a wheelchair, opportunities to play are limited. By donating now, you can give kids like Jacob the chance to take part. You create a whole world of opportunities through sport…opportunities to be part of a team, to learn life-long skills, and to forge an incredible future for themselves. In fact, Jacob not only plays and coaches rugby at a state level, but he’s planning a career in sport - thanks to people like you! Will you help more kids like Jacob take part in sport - and every opportunity that sport creates? You can donate here: https://lnkd.in/d6K2Btmf

📣 Welcoming Ben Aldham as the Chair of Disability Sport & Recreation Board. We are delighted to announce that Ben Aldham has been elected as the new Chair of Disability Sport & Recreation (DSR) at last week’s AGM. Ben brings over 20 years of diverse experience across industry, research, education, and government. Currently serving as the Executive Manager of Business Operations in CSIRO’s Digital Research unit (D61), Ben has also held key leadership roles, including Deputy Director of the CSIRO Science Connect Research Unit and Executive Manager at CSIRO Global. Beyond his impressive professional background, Ben is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of sports. As an accomplished marathon and ultra-trail runner, he has experienced firsthand the profound impact that physical activity can have on well-being. In his new role, Ben aims to create opportunities for more people to enjoy the benefits of sports and recreation. We also want to take this moment to express our deepest gratitude to Sarah Anderson (PhD) for her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment during her tenure as Chair. Sarah’s dedication has been instrumental in driving DSR’s mission forward, and her contributions will have a lasting impact and we look forward to continuing our relationship with her stepping into a role on our Board. Thank you, Sarah, for your incredible service, and congratulations, Ben, on your new role. We are excited to embark on this next chapter under your guidance!

🚨 Important Update: 2024 Victorian DSR Festival Cancelled 🚨 It is with deep regret that we announce the cancellation of the 2024 Victorian DSR Festival, scheduled for this Friday, 6 December. Due to unexpected construction delays at the festival site, we are unable to ensure a safe, accessible and enjoyable event for everyone. Despite our efforts to explore alternatives the site conditions have left us with no other option but to make this difficult decision. We understand this news will be disappointing and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Like you, we are deeply saddened by the cancellation of one of our favourite events of the year. We’re committed to returning in 2025 with an even bigger and better festival!

🌍 International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a global celebration on 3 December every year that highlights the achievements and contributions of individuals with disabilities. It’s a day to raise awareness about the importance of inclusion and accessibility for all 🩵 Approximately 5.5 million Australians (around 21.4% of the population) are living with some form of disability. At Disability Sport & Recreation (DSR), we’re committed to making a difference by empowering people with disabilities through sport and recreation. By providing inclusive opportunities, supporting athletes, and advocating for better accessibility, DSR helps break down barriers and fosters a sense of community 🏅 Today, we honour the strength, talent, and determination of everyone in the disability community. Together, we’re creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive 🌟 #IDPWD #IDPWD2024 #DisabilitySport #InclusionForAll #DSR #BreakingBarriers #CelebrateAbility

⏳ Last chance to support the incredible Disability Sport & Recreation CEO Wheelchair Challenge! 💙 Huge thanks to our amazing friends at Belgravia Leisure including Emma Lowe and Dr Jeff Walkley who we caught up with at the launch at the iconic MCG last month for championing inclusivity and helping us drive awareness change, check out what they said at the event. Together, we can empower people with disabilities through sport and recreation. 🌟 💻 Donate now and make a difference: https://lnkd.in/gNdCEi5n Every contribution counts! 🙌💪 #DSRWheelchairChallenge #InclusivityInAction #BelgraviaLeisure #DonateNow

🎉 The countdown is on! Just over one week to go until the 2024 DSR Festival! Get ready for an action-packed day celebrating inclusion, community, and adaptive sports with over 25 exhibitors and two activity zones 🏀💪 From inclusive sports to interactive activities, live performances, special guests and family fun; there’s something for everyone. 📅 Don’t miss the opportunity to join us and experience the power of inclusive sport! When: Friday 6 December Where: Crown Riverwalk, Southbank - Yarra Promenade between Queensbridge St and Rockpool Bar and Grill Time: 10am - 2pm 🔗 Learn more: dsr.org.au/vdsr-festival #DSRFestival2024 #InclusionMatters #AdaptiveSports #CelebrateDiversity #VDSR2024

This is Jacob. Wheelchair Rugby player. Victorian assistant coach. Wheelchair Rugby’s Best New Talent of the Year 2024. He lives for sport. He loves playing it, coaching it, mentoring in it, being part of the community. He’s even planning a career in sport. But being in a wheelchair, these opportunities don’t come easily. In fact, a generation ago, someone as talented and motivated as Jacob would have been left on the sidelines. Through your support of DSR, you can help change that and open up a world of opportunities for young athletes like Jacob. Discover Jacob's story and donate: https://lnkd.in/d6K2Btmf

🎉 We're thrilled to have been part of the ACHPER Victoria Annual Conference at Monash University this week. Our CEO, Liz Tesone, took the stage today to share insights into how inclusive sport and recreation are transforming lives. A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by and engaged with us—it’s incredible to see the passion for making sport accessible for all! 🙌 #InclusiveSport #DSR #ACHPERConference #DisabilityInclusion #ACHPERVIC24

A big welcome to ACHPER Victoria CEO, Gillian Manson and General Manager Greg Schneiders who are the latest recruits to the DSR CEO Wheelchair Challenge, 🎥 watch to learn more about why they're participating and what they've learnt so far spending a day in a wheelchair. "It’s a powerful reminder that accessibility matters—not just in business, but in every aspect of our community. By participating, I hope to raise awareness and raise vital funds to inspire change toward a more inclusive, accessible future." Gillian said. 🎯 Donate today to Gillian Manson's fundraising page on our platform and help us make a difference: https://loom.ly/Ky3h-04 Every contribution helps break barriers! 🙌 #InclusionMatters #DSRCEOChallenge