What is Sports CONNECT
Sports CONNECT is a national framework that develops pathways for people with disability to get involved in sport, by creating and developing relationships between sports and disability organisations.
Currently many people with disability participate in sport outside a sporting organisation which results in missed opportunities for the individual and the sporting organisations.
Through Sports CONNECT more people with disability are recognising the social and health benefits from being involved in sport. At the same time sporting organisations are becoming aware of the benefits of involving people with disability either as participants, administrators, volunteers, coaches or officials.
Sports CONNECT Hubs
vicsport also support inclusive hubs at Victoria University and in Northern Metropolitan Melbourne (NISARN-incorporating Banyule, Darebin and Moreland councils). The aim of the hubs is to bring the disability sector and sport closer together to offer a choice of quality physical activity (with a focus on sport) for people with disabilities.
Sports CONNECT - "connecting sport and people with disabilities"
Sports CONNECT is the new branding for the Australian Sports Commission's inclusive sport framework, which aims to boost the participation of people with disabilities in sport and physical activity.
The framework is represented by the following graphic:
Insert new framework diagram:
Currently, 25 National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) have made a commitment to the Sports CONNECT framework. Each national body has an ASC-appointed Case Manager to help them develop and implement Disability Action Plans for their sport.
The sports involved are:
Athletics, Swimming, Tenpin Bowling, Tennis, Basketball, Yachting, Table Tennis, Softball, Baseball, Riding for the Disabled/Pony Club, Surfing, Cricket, Golf, Gymnastics, Netball, Cycling, Australian Football, Shooting, Rowing, Surf Life Saving, Lawn Bowls, Volleyball, Rugby Union, Football, Rugby League.
The Disability Action Plan for NSOs is based on four levels of achievement - Green, Bronze, Silver and Gold. It will be the goal of every Disability Action Plan to achieve Gold Standard over a five- year period. By Gold level, it is expected that the Disability Action Plan will no longer exist and that ongoing strategies to address inclusion are embedded in the organisation's Strategic and Operational Plans.
The role of the Case Manager is critical in helping drive a national sporting organisation's commitment to the inclusion of people with disabilities over the long term. vicsport’s Sports CONNECT coordinators are currently the National Case Manager for:
Sport and Recreation Victoria's Website www.sport.vic.gov.au can give you more information regarding AAA providers and other disability organisations.