All-Abilities and Inclusive Sport on the Gold Coast: Getting Everyone in the Game

Sport on the Gold Coast is for everyone, and the city has made real strides in building programs and facilities that welcome participants of every ability. From adapted aquatics at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre in Southport to wheelchair-friendly parkrun participation and inclusive football sessions, there are more ways than ever for people with disability to get active, compete and belong to a sporting community.

The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, built as a 2018 Commonwealth Games legacy facility, is one of the finest public swimming venues in Australia. It offers accessible change rooms, pool hoists and trained staff who support swimmers with a wide range of needs. The centre runs aqua fitness classes and lap swimming sessions, and several local swim clubs affiliated with Swimming Queensland have all-abilities squads for those who want structured coaching and the opportunity to compete.

parkrun's inclusive culture makes it one of the most accessible sporting communities anywhere. Participants with mobility aids, guide runners and support people are warmly welcomed at all Gold Coast events, and the volunteer-run format means there is always someone ready to assist. Many participants use the 5-kilometre course as a social walk rather than a run, and the post-event coffee culture at each location is a genuine community gathering.

Football Federation Australia's affiliated bodies run All-Abilities football programs across Queensland, and the Gold Coast has clubs offering modified sessions for players with intellectual and physical disability. The Coomera Indoor Sports Centre, another Commonwealth Games legacy venue, provides an accessible multi-sport environment for basketball, volleyball and other indoor codes. Wheelchair basketball sessions are available through Basketball Queensland's disability sport network.

For families looking to find the right program for a child or adult with disability, Sport and Recreation Queensland maintains an online directory of inclusive sport providers and adapted programs across the state. The Gold Coast City Council also funds sport inclusion initiatives through its community grants program, which helps local clubs build the capacity to welcome participants of all abilities. The message from the Gold Coast sporting community is clear: the more the merrier, and everyone deserves a go.

Sources: Sport and Recreation Queensland parkrun Australia Gold Coast City Council

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