Seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to elevate inclusion in sports

In 2023, Australia is set to make history by co-hosting the FIFA Women's World Cup with New Zealand. It will be the first time this event is hosted in the Southern Hemisphere.

Amidst the buzz surrounding this tournament, it is equally important to highlight two other significant events taking place in Australia:?

1. The FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup
2. The FCPF Para Asian Cup

These parallel competitions present a unique opportunity to promote inclusion, enhance grass-roots access, improve public health outcomes, and foster equality.

The FIFA Women's World Cup has already started to garner attention. The Women’s World Cup plays a vital role in increasing the visibility and representation of women in sports. It provides a platform for female athletes to shine and helps to challenge the underrepresentation of women in media coverage.

The tournament also serves as a powerful catalyst for inspiring young girls and women to pursue their dreams in sports. By promoting gender equality in sports, the Women’s World Cup highlights the importance of equal opportunities, resources and support for female athletes.

As the global community turns its gaze towards us, leveraging this momentum to address a broader spectrum of inclusivity issues is crucial. While the Women's World Cup shines a light on gender disparity in sports, the FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup and FCPF Para Asian Cup provide a platform to champion the rights and participation of athletes with disabilities.

Powerchair football, also known as wheelchair football, enables individuals with physical disabilities to engage in the game. Played in customised wheelchairs equipped with bumpers and footguards, this exhilarating sport allows players to showcase their skills, strategy, and teamwork. The FCPF Para Asian Cup tournament serves as a platform for athletes with disabilities from across Asia-Oceania to showcase their talents and compete at the highest level.?

By hosting these events, Australia not only celebrates the diversity and abilities of para-athletes but also highlights the need for equal opportunities and support systems for athletes with disabilities. It provides us with an opportunity to challenge stereotypes, shift perceptions, and foster an inclusive sporting culture that extends beyond this momentous occasion.

So, how can Australia seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to elevate true inclusion?

The answer lies in collaborative efforts, innovative thinking, and long-term planning. Here are some key areas to consider:

Invest in grass-roots access: Grass-roots access is essential for inclusive sports participation. Policy co-design plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable and enduring results. By investing in grass-roots sports programs, we can foster participatory communities that embrace individuals of diverse abilities. This involves improving facility accessibility, providing adaptive equipment, and facilitating training initiatives. Engaging stakeholders, including community members, policymakers, and sports organisations, in the policy co-design process ensures strategies align with the unique needs and aspirations of the community. This leads to healthier and more involved communities.

Advocate for equality: Equality in sports goes beyond physical access. It includes equal opportunities, representation, and support. This is an opportunity to advocate for policies promoting gender equality, diversity, and fair treatment of athletes of all abilities. By involving diverse voices and perspectives, sports can drive social change and reflect a more equitable society.

Collaborate on policy: Collaboration between the sports sector and government agencies is crucial for lasting change. We should develop policy frameworks that prioritise inclusivity and accessibility in sports. These policies ensure equal opportunities for athletes with disabilities to participate, receive training, and gain recognition. By incorporating disability-inclusive policies into national sports strategies, we can establish a legacy of inclusivity that goes beyond these landmark events.

Partner with corporate sponsors: Partnerships with corporate sponsors and philanthropic organisations are crucial for supporting inclusive sports initiatives. Engaging with these stakeholders allows Australia to secure funding for programs that enhance grass-roots access, provide scholarships to aspiring athletes with disabilities, and promote research and innovation in adaptive sports technologies. Local Peoples is a proud power chair sponsor of the Canberra team, we love making a significant impact on the lives of athletes competing in the sport and contributing to a more inclusive and diverse sports landscape in Australia.

Create education and awareness campaigns: Education plays a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive sporting culture. By promoting disability awareness and equality training, we can challenge stereotypes, combat discrimination, and create a more accepting environment for athletes with disabilities. Schools, sports clubs, and community organisations can implement programs that encourage inclusivity, dispel misconceptions, and foster empathy and respect among young athletes and spectators.

Provide ongoing support and resources for para-athletes: It’s important to encourage all athletes to pursue their sporting aspirations and reach their full potential. This includes access to coaching, training facilities, sports equipment, and specialised medical care. By engaging stakeholders such as para-athletes, disability advocacy groups, sports organisations, and policymakers, we can develop inclusive policies that provide financial support and establish dedicated para-sports development programs.

Local Peoples’ goal is to support the policy development and implementation process. Ultimately, public servants are accountable for making the key decisions around how policy is implemented on behalf of the Australian public. We see our role as advocating for users – especially minorities – to be a part of the design process.

By doing so, we deliver research, advisory, design, quality assurance and delivery throughout the value creation process, depending on what is needed at each stage. Working with different cohorts, we explain legislation and policy, gather feedback, and ensure that the final product meets the needs of stakeholders and, importantly, end users.

Leveraging our research expertise, we help government departments understand how to conduct research related to the policy or service. We also assist in ensuring effective decision-making and change management. We emphasise the importance of creating a consistent service that goes horizontally. This prevents information getting lost.

As Australia prepares to host these remarkable sporting events, we must also prioritise the development of comprehensive strategies and policies that promote inclusivity in sports beyond the tournament's duration.?

Let’s seize this unique moment in Australian sports history to inspire a global movement toward true inclusion, where individuals of all abilities are empowered to participate in sports and are valued for their contributions on and off the field. We can set a new standard for global sports events and leave a profound and enduring impact on the lives of athletes and communities around the world.