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EVIDENCE BASE FOR SPORT

Sport and Persons with Disability

Disability is something which can affect anyone in the community.

It can be caused by disease, illness, hereditary conditions, or accident/injury and may include individuals with physical, sensory and speech, intellectual, psychosocial, head injury, stroke or acquired brain injury, and/or other restrictions in everyday activities due to other long-conditions or ailments. 1

People with a disability receive the same physical, mental, and social benefits from participating in sport and physical activity as those not having a disability. 2, 3, 4, 5 Legally, Australians of all abilities should have access to sport and physical activity opportunities. 6

Approximately 1 in 5 (21%, or 5.5 million) people in Australia have disability. More than 1 in 3 (37%) of people with disability have severe or profound disability (about 2 million). 10

PARTICIPATION - 2018 to 2022



An estimated 828,000 (25%) persons with disability [aged 18+] participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 7
An estimated 487,000 (31%) men [aged 18+] and 340,000 (20%) women [aged 18+] with disability participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 7
10% of persons with disability [aged 18+] were involved in a non-playing role at least once in 2022. 8
Estimated age group participation in sport-related activities at least once a week by persons with disability [aged 18+] 7
Estimated State/Territory participation in sport-related activities at least once a week by persons with disability [aged 18+] 7
  • Australian Capital Territory - 14,000 (30%)
  • New South Wales - 255,000 (26%)
  • Northern Territory - 15,000 (46%)
  • Queensland - 170,000 (24%)
  • South Australia - 54,000 (21%)
  • Tasmania - 21,000 (24%)
  • Victoria - 203,000 (25%)
  • Western Australia - 97,000 (28%)
Most popular sport-related activities for persons with disability (estimated participants) 9
Young Adult aged 18-24
Running/Athletics - 43,000
Swimming - 32,000
Cycling - 21,000
Basketball - 20,000
Football/Soccer - 17,000
Adult aged 25-54
Swimming - 202,000
Cycling - 148,000
Running/Athletics - 140,000
Football/Soccer - 39,000
Tennis - 37,000
Mature Adult aged 55+
Swimming - 218,000
Cycling - 131,000
Golf - 89,000
Bowls - 55,000
Running/Athletics - 37,000

TOPIC FOCUS



Benefits of Sport

The benefits of regular sport and physical activity are numerous and supported by a broad body of research and evidence.
Factors influencing participation

There are hundreds of factors that can influence sports participation or non-participation.
Equity

Persons with disability are generally under-represented in sport leadership, administration, coaching, officiating, and media.
Policies, programs, and supporting structures

Australian and international initiatives to support and encourage participation and leadership in all aspects of sport.
Awards and recognition

Over the years, many sportspeople with disability have been recognised for their contribution to sport and society.
Disability sport in Australia timeline

A brief overview of some of key events and organisational milestones in the history of disability sport in Australia.
  1. People with disability in Australia, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, (updated 23 April 2024).
  2. Adaptive sports for promoting physical activity in community-dwelling adults with stroke: A feasibility study, Pradeepa Nayak, Amreen Mahmood, Senthil Kumaran, et al., Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, Volume 28, pp.341-347, (October 2021).
  3. Sport participation after the HandbikeBattle: benefits, barriers, facilitators from the event—a follow-up survey, Sonja de Groot, Ingrid Kouwijzer, Linda Valent, et al., Spinal Cord Series and Cases, Volume 6, Article number: 54, (June 2020).
  4. Parents’ Perspectives on Adaptive Sports in Children with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities, Marion Neyroud, Christopher Newman, children, Volume 8(9), (September 2021).
  5. Exploring Direct and Indirect Associations of Exercise and Sport Participation with Employment among Individuals with Disabilities: A Scoping Review, Azar Varahra, Hiba Ahmed, Sally Lindsay, Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, Volume 32, pp.44-54, (2022).
  6. Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Australian Government, (latest version: 24 October 2023).
  7. AusPlay Data Portal: Sport-related participation – frequency of participation, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 29 June 2023)
  8. AusPlay Data Portal: Sport-related participation – non-playing roles, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 29 June 2023)
  9. AusPlay Data Portal: Participation by activity, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 29 June 2023)
  10. Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Summary of Findings, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), (4 July 2024).

Related Topics

Participation Grants and Funding for Sport and Recreation

Modified Sports

Physical Activity

Participation in sport

Last updated: 14 May 2024
Content disclaimer: See Clearinghouse for Sport disclaimer

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