Recent announcements from Boccia Australia (BA) about expanding their role in Queensland have sparked questions within our Boccia community. At Sporting Wheelies, we understand that change can create uncertainty, so we’re here to clarify what this means for players, coaches, officials and supporters. Official Update from Leadership For full details on our commitment to Boccia and the evolving partnership with Boccia Australia, click here to read the official letter from Jacqueline Kelly (General Manager - Para Sport, Health & Fitness) and Dane Cross (Chief Operating Officer). Our Ongoing Commitment to Boccia For more than 15 years, Sporting Wheelies has been the backbone of Boccia in Queensland, delivering inclusive, high-quality programs for athletes of all abilities. Nothing changes here. We remain dedicated to: Weekly Boccia Social Programs (all skill levels welcome!) The Boccia Tri-Series, a beloved community competition The brand-new Boccia Invitational (July 2025 – save the date!) Affordable access to courts, coaching, and health support Our mission is unchanged: to provide grassroots opportunities that empower athletes and grow the sport. Boccia Australia’s Expanded Role Boccia Australia (BA) recently announced plans to oversee state-level competitions, including: Queensland State Titles State team selections This shift allows Sporting Wheelies to focus on what we do best: social programs and competitions, community engagement, athlete support, and development pathways. What This Means for You What Stays the Same: Weekly sessions at our Boccia Social Programs across Queensland (Brisbane, Moreton Bay and Hervey Bay, with new programs coming in 2025) Social competitions , including the Tri-Series and Boccia Invitational Discounted memberships, court access, and health benefits What’s New: BA will manage Queensland State Titles FAQ: Your Questions Answered Can I still play Boccia locally?Absolutely! Our weekly social programs and competitions run as usual. How do I qualify for State Titles?BA will publish eligibility criteria soon. We’ll share updates via email and social media. Can you explain Boccia’s structure in Queensland?Sporting Wheelies remains an existing legal entity, as a dedicated business operating under Spinal Life Australia – a registered charitable entity. Sporting Wheelies remains fully committed to delivering a grassroots Boccia program, which includes weekly training, social competitions and development pathways. Join Us on the Court! Boccia thrives because of you – the players, coaches, officials and supporters who make this sport so special. Click here to join our weekly social program. If you have any questions, call 07 3253 3333 or email sport@sportingwheelies.org.au.
Boccia Tri Series 2025 - Round 1 "The Boccia Tri-Series" provides a pathway for new players, sports assistants and referees to learn and experience competition. Competition Date: RESCHEDULED - new date - Sunday March 23rd 2025 Venue: Sporting Wheelies (2 Kilroe Street, Milton QLD 4064) Google maps Boccia Tri-Series #1 Athlete Draw Competition Rules Preliminary Event Schedule Event Time Venue Opens 8am Warm up Court available 8.30 am Competition Duration Approx 9am - 4pm Presentations Approximately 4pm Competition Structure The competition will consist of Individual divisions of play: BC2, BC3, BC4/BC5, Open/BC1. The results will be determined by player ranking from matches as follows: Criteria Method Description 1 Number of Wins The total number of wins in descending order 2 Head-to-Head Record The total number of wins in descending order against the other side(s) in the tie 3 Points Difference The total number of points scored, minus the total number of points conceded in descending order 4 Points For The total number of points scored, minus the total number of points conceded in descending order 5 Ends Won The total number ends won in descending order 6 Positive Points Difference in a Single Match The highest positive points difference (points scored; minus points conceded) in a single match in descending order 7 Positive Points Difference in a Single End The highest positive points difference (points scored; minus points conceded) in a single end in descending order 8 Seeding Position The lowest ranked side is the winner (ascending order) *A BC1 athlete will be awarded a 3 points head start per game as the athlete is competing in a multi-classification pool. The process for applying these criteria is: All sides within the pool are compared against the criteria starting with the number of wins. The side with the greatest number of wins is given the higher finishing position. If there is a tie, then criteria two should be applied. The number of tied sides will determine how this criterion is applied. Where two sides are tied, the match between these sides is the tie breaker. Where three or more sides are tied, only the matches between the tied sides should be used. This will mean removing any results of a side not included in the tie. Once these matches have been removed, the side with the greatest number of wins is given the higher finishing position. If criteria two cannot split the tie, then criteria three is applied. Where the tie at criteria two involved three or more sides, then criteria three should be applied only to the matches involving the tied sides. This process is repeated with each criterion applied in sequential order until the tie is split. Friendly matches are played to ensure athletes have a minimum number of games; results do not contribute to scoring. The matches that were forfeited will count towards the non-forfeiting player. Registrations All Registrations to be completed online. Athletes who selected the option to registers for all 3 tri-series events when entering Event #1 do not need to register again. Registrations close: Sunday 17th March Registrations Closed Registration Fees: $95 per player $60 per player for Athletes enrolled and participating in a Sporting Wheelies Boccia Social Sport Program (Brisbane, Moreton Bay or Hervey Bay programs) Refunds Tri-Series #1 - Competitors wishing to withdraw may receive a full refund up before the registration closing date. There will be no refunds after this date. Please note all withdrawals must be in writing. Withdrawals due to illness or injury must be accompanied by a medical certificate and supplied to sporting wheelies. There will be no refunds for athletes who register for the special discounted rate for the whole series. Presentation Ceremony The event will conclude with a presentation ceremony at approximately 4:00pm at the conclusion of the event. AwardsAthletes who attend all three rounds of the Tri-Series will be eligible for the ‘2025 SportingWheelies Boccia Tri-Series Overall Player' awards . These awards will be announced at theconclusion of the third tri-series event for athletes in each respective classification. Volunteers and Officials Volunteers and officials are needed to fill various positions for the event. If you can help, please register using the below form link. Volunteer here Meals Please note that while we don’t have an on-site canteen, however there are plenty of nearby options just a 2-3-minute drive down the road. You’ll find Subway, Frog N Toad, GYG, among many other restaurants to satisfy any craving (As seen HERE). First Aid Sporting Wheelies kit available onsite throughout the competition. Conditions of Entry All athletes agree to the terms and conditions as outlines on the registration forms. Athletes must have no outstanding debts to the Sporting Wheelies. Spectators Spectators are welcome to attend the TRI SERIES to support their friends, family, or to watch some Boccia games. Spectators are asked to respect all athletes, volunteers, officials and event staff, failure to do so will result in the offending person/s to being asked to leave the facility. Event Coordinators Angelo Macaro | Para Sports Participation Coordinator – Sporting WheeliesE: angelom@sportingwheelies.org.auM: 3253 3333 Joshua Advaney | Events & Member Support Officer – Sporting WheeliesE: joshuaa@sportingwheelies.org.auM: 3253 3333 MatchdayKate Jenian | QLD Head of Referees Sporting Wheelies wishes to thank all Sponsors, Athletes, Volunteers, Officials & Referees, without whom the event would not be possible. View our programs Other Roles You do not have to play Boccia to be involved. You can contribute as a volunteer, coach, team manager, umpire, administrator of the sport or as an enthusiastic supporter. For more information on volunteer opportunities, please get in touch using the link below. Learn more about volunteering Calendar of Events Throughout the year a range of sports programs and events are held. To view the complete calendar of events, please select the link below. View our Events Calendar Register for competition Important Links Wheelchair Leagues Paralympics Australia Watch the introductory video Sign Up Now
The results are in! Congratulations to the winners for the Boccia Australia National Titles. Individual Competition BC1 Gold – Christopher Allerdice (NSW) Silver – Jessica Hooper (VIC) Bronze- Dylan Schwarz (ACT) BC2 Gold – Scott Elsworth (NSW) Silver – Aaryan Shar (NSW) Bronze- Corena Harrison (ACT) BC3 Gold – Daniel Michel , RO: Ash Maddern (NSW) Silver – Jamison Leeson, RO: Jasmine Haydon (NSW) Bronze- Sam Thorne, RO: Vivian Tully (QLD) BC4 Gold – JP La Fontaine (QLD) Silver – Ryann Finn (QLD) Bronze- Jason Saadah (VIC) BC5 Gold – Thomas Robins (QLD) Silver – Phil Bates (NSW) Bronze- Conner Hamlin (NSW) Open Gold – Lilian Exton (NZ) Silver – Brent Mynott (ACT) Bronze- Fiona Porch (NSW) STATE SHIELD - Team NSW Boccia Australian Titles – Pairs and Teams results Congratulations to the following athletes, BC1,BC2 Teams Gold- QLD/TAS/NZ, Lachlan Kavanagh, Ainsley Pond, Nick Milner, Matthew Whitting Silver- NSW, Aaryan Shah, Neil Dalton, Christopher Allerdice Bronze- ACT/VIC, Jessie Hooper, Corena Harrison, Dylan Schwarz BC3 Pairs Gold- NSW 1,Daniel Michel Ramp Operator: Ashlee Maddern, Liam Titterton Ramp Operator: Piotr Paukszt, Cal Rose Ramp Operator: Joy Wang Silver- NSW 2, Jamieson Leeson Ramp Operator: Jasmine Haydon, Ange McReynolds, Ramp Operator: Matthew McDonald, Tom Ferguson Ramp operator: Teresa Kay Bronze- NSW 3, Wendy Evans Ramp Operator: Kylie Jarman, Kylie Daley Ramp Operator: Elyeene Hancock BC4/BC5 Pairs Gold- QLD 1, JP La Fontaine, Ryan Finn Silver- QLD/VIC, Thomas Robins, Jason Saadah Bronze- NSW 1, Phil Bates, Adam Alcorn Open Pairs Gold- NZ, Lilian Exton,Matthew Henderson Silver- NSW, Fiona Porch, David Lunn Bronze- QLD 1, Trina Stewart, Anthony Anderson Thanks to our sponsor Coloplast, for making this tournament possible
Boccia Boccia is a bowling game that requires concentration, strategy and accuracy rather than strength and can be played socially and competitively up to Paralympic level. Boccia is similar to the Italian game of ‘bocce’ for players of all abilities, including those with a physical disability. The objective is to throw, kick or use a ramp device to propel leather balls as close as possible to a white ball which serves as the jack (target). Athletes compete in team and individual events on an equal level. Players can also classify and have the opportunity to compete in representative Boccia at regional, state, national and international levels. Our Boccia Social League Brisbane Boccia Social League Facebook page Stay up to date with all the latest news and events from the Boccia League Brisbane by following our dedicated Facebook page: Boccia Social League Facebook page Other Roles You do not have to play boccia to be involved. You can contribute as a volunteer, coach, team manager, umpire, administrator of the sport or as an enthusiastic supporter. For more information on volunteer opportunities, please get in touch with us below. Learn more about volunteering Calendar of Events Throughout the year a range of sports programs and events are held. To view the complete calendar of events, please select the link below. View our Events Calendar Next Competition | Sporting Wheelies Boccia Invitational Championship 2025 Important Links Boccia AustraliaParalympics Australia Watch the introductory video Sign Up Now
You're invited to register your child for the Term 4 Para Squad program. We're looking forward to trying out a range of sports, keeping fit, making new friends and most of all, having fun. Term 1 Group times Children (Primary School Age): Saturdays, 8:30am to 10:00am Teens (High School Age): Saturdays, 10:00am to 11:30am Term Length: 8 weeks Term Start Date: Saturday 18 October Squad Size: 8 to 10 participants per Squad. We will open additional times if we reach capacity. Squad Coach: The program will be delivered by Exercise Physiologists with support from Trainer Assistants and/or our 'Game Changers' who deliver sports programs in schools. Program fees are applied pro-rata, if you miss the term start date. Simply get in touch with our team or register below to find out more. Click here to register Funding options for program fees Play On vouchers We're a registered Play On provider, which means you can apply for a voucher and save $200 on your program fees. Play On vouchers are a Queensland Government initiative aimed at helping families with the cost of junior sport, for children aged 5 to 17 years. Simply click here to apply and email your voucher through to us at gym@sportingwheelies.org.au once you receive it. Please note, if you're looking through the list of registered activity providers, we're listed as Spinal Life Australia which is our parent organisation. Apply for a Play On voucher NDIS funding Program fees can be claimed through NDIS under Capacity Building - Increased Social and Community Participation (09_011_0125_1_3). Sporting Wheelies is a registered NDIS provider for children aged 7+ years. Each term runs for eight weeks, with Para Squad program sessions running for one and half hours. You can sign up at any time during the eight weeks to give it a go. We will simply invoice you for any sessions remaining for the term. If you are joining us for the first time, your first two sessions are free. Come along for two sessions and see if you like it! If you decide to continue, we will deduct the cost of the first two sessions from your overall remaining term fees. Our sessions are all about trying out a range of sports, keeping fit, building communication skills, teamwork and confidence, making new friends and most of all, having fun. Each week we will focus on a different sport with fun drills and games, modified in ways to promote inclusion. You’ll work on heaps of skills such as throwing, catching, passing and pushing which can translate into everyday life. You can use our online form to sign up by clicking here or on each of the individual sport pages above. If you have any questions, give us a call on 3253 3333 or email gym@sportingwheelies.org.au. Yes! Just let us know when you register, and we will invoice you at the end of your eight weeks to claim through your NDIS funding. For athletes who do not have NDIS funding, you can pay at the time of registration. Read more on our form by clicking here. Not at all! You can play just for fun or if you are interested in pursuing the next level, chat with our coaches. There are opportunities to compete in Boccia and Wheelchair Basketball at regional, state, national and international level. If you’re keen to be involved but not sure about participating just yet, you can also contribute to our sporting program in a number of ways, as an official or scorekeeper, event support or just come along and watch the action! Click here to register. Questions? If you have any questions, call our team on 07 3253 3333 or email gym@sportingwheelies.org.au. We look forward to welcoming your child to our Para Squad this term!
We’re excited to share that registrations are now open for Sporting Wheelies’ Term 4 Social Sports program. Come along and make new friends, boost your fitness and develop new skills, all within a safe, supportive environment. Our sports are open to anyone of all ages, abilities and levels! All equipment and coaching are provided, so it’s a great opportunity to give it a go. If you’re new to our Social Sports program, your first two sessions are free (excludes Adaptive Aquatics). Try our sports: Wheelchair Fundamentals – Brisbane This is our introductory program to the world of wheelchair sports, where you’ll learn more about wheelchair sports, master manual wheelchair handling and essential ball skills, and grow your fitness. Click here to read more and see Term 4 dates and locations. Wheelchair Fencing Delivered in partnership with expert fencing coaches, the program introduces you to one of the world’s most dynamic and tactical sports – adapted to be fully inclusive and accessible. Click here to read more and see Term 4 dates and locations. Wheelchair Basketball – Brisbane, Toowoomba, Logan An exciting version of basketball that was initially started for its rehabilitation benefits, with all the fun that comes with being part of a team sport. Click here to read more and see Term 4 dates and locations. Wheelchair Cricket – Brisbane, Gold Coast Delivered in partnership with Queensland Cricket, the program takes place in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, bringing you a fun, fast, and fully inclusive sporting experience. Click here to read more and see Term 4 dates and locations. Boccia – Brisbane Often referred to as the world’s most inclusive sport, Boccia is a bowling game that requires concentration, strategy and accuracy. Click here to read more and see Term 4 dates and locations. Para Powerlifting – Brisbane, Ipswich Test your strength with bench press, squat and dead lift for athletes with vision impairment, and bench press for athletes with other physical disabilities. Click here to read more and see Term 4 dates and locations. Adaptive Aquatics Make a splash and improve your swimming skills, delivered in partnership with the Queensland University of Technology at the Gardens Point accessible pool. Click here to read more and see Term 4 Dates and locations. FAQs Each term runs for eight weeks, with program sessions running for one and half to two hours. You can sign up at any time during the eight weeks to give it a go. We will simply invoice you for any sessions remaining for the term. If you are joining us for the first time, your first two sessions are free (excludes Adaptive Aquatics). Come along for two sessions and see if you like it! If you decide to continue, we will deduct the cost of the first two sessions from your overall remaining term fees. This offer excludes Adaptive Aquatics. You can go to each of the individual sport pages above and sign up. If you have any questions, give us a call on 07 3253 3333 or email sport@sportingwheelies.org.au. Yes! Just let us know when you register, and we will invoice you to claim through your NDIS funding. For athletes who do not have NDIS funding, you can pay at the time of registration. We’re also a registered Pay On provider, which means you can save $200 on your program fees if you have a voucher. Play On vouchers are a Queensland Government initiative aimed at helping families with the cost of junior sport, for children aged 5 to 17 years. Applications are currently closed for new vouchers. Not at all! You can play just for fun or if you are interested in pursuing the next level, chat with our coaches. There are opportunities to compete in Boccia and Wheelchair Basketball at regional, state, national and international level. If you just want to stay healthy and active, we also have a range of group fitness classes at our accessible gym, led by our experienced Exercise Physiologists. If you’re keen to be involved but not sure about participating just yet, you can also contribute to our sporting program in a number of ways, as an official or scorekeeper, event support or just come along and watch the action! Click here to register. Questions? If you have any questions, call 07 3253 3333 or email sport@sportingwheelies.org.au.
Media Release Sporting Wheelies, Queensland’s leading organisation for adaptive sport, recreation, and allied health for people with disability, has welcomed the release of the Brisbane 2032 100 Day Review and Delivery Plan, endorsing its renewed focus on equity, infrastructure, and statewide legacy outcomes. The Delivery Plan outlines a blueprint to guide Brisbane 2032 legacy investment, including a proposed Parasport Centre for community activation as part of a redeveloped Sleeman Sports Complex, and best-practice accessibility embedded across Games infrastructure and operations. “This is a pivotal moment,” said Dane Cross, Chief Operating Officer of Sporting Wheelies. “For the first time in Queensland’s history, we have the chance to build venues, systems, and communities that are inclusive by design – not retrofitted after the fact. The Parasport Centre is one part of the puzzle, but so too is ensuring that all Queenslanders with disability can access opportunities in their own regions, now and into the future.” Backing a Parasport Centre – But with an Eye on Access and Activation Sporting Wheelies supports the vision for a flagship Parasport Centre and recognises the opportunity to align this facility with Queensland’s broader goals for inclusion and accessibility. However, the organisation notes that challenges remain. The 100 Day Review itself raises topographical and transport concerns at the Sleeman site – challenges that will need to be addressed if the venue is to be truly inclusive and accessible for all. “There’s no use building a world-class facility that people can’t reach,” said Dane. “Accessibility starts at the front gate. That includes transport, parking, wayfinding, and user-friendly design from the ground up.” Sporting Wheelies has also expressed a strong interest in becoming a tenant and activation partner in the new Parasport Centre and supporting other venues across the Indoor Sport Network. “Our track record speaks for itself. We’re already delivering grassroots and elite sport, exercise physiology, community programs, and regional outreach. We know how to activate these spaces – not just build them.” Delivering on the Legacy Goals Sporting Wheelies welcomes the reaffirmed commitment to the national participation target of 500,000 people with disability in sport by 2032, with Queensland's proportional share being approximately 120,000. “It’s an ambitious but achievable target – if we invest not just in venues, but in programs, people, and partnerships,” said Dane. “It’s not enough to have courts. We need coaches, club support, and accessible environments where people feel safe and welcome.” Sporting Wheelies has already submitted detailed advice to the 100 Day Review, calling for: The delivery of a flagship Parasport Centre backed by a statewide network of accessible, best-practice venues; Sport-specific infrastructure standards for para-sport (including goalball, wheelchair basketball, boccia, and wheelchair cricket); Stronger collaboration across regional communities, ensuring equity of access outside of the southeast; Inclusion of people with disability in decision-making, leadership, and program delivery. Many of these recommendations have been reflected in the Delivery Plan. Click here to read our full submission. Beyond Sport: Welcoming the Whole-of-Games Commitments Sporting Wheelies also welcomes the broader priorities identified in the 2032 Delivery Plan, recognising that true inclusion is about more than just sport. Key deliverables that align with the organisation’s mission include: Accessible Transport Solutions The commitment to improve accessible transport—particularly connections to Games venues—is essential. Sporting Wheelies emphasises the need for: Step-free access across public transport; Wayfinding systems for people with vision or cognitive disabilities; Accessible pick-up/drop-off zones and pathways; Integrated transport that works for regional and urban users alike. Inclusive Tourism and Precinct Planning Precinct planning must consider the entire visitor and user experience, including Changing Places amenities, inclusive wayfinding, and sensory-friendly spaces. These upgrades benefit not just athletes, but families, tourists, and locals alike. Inclusive Procurement and Disability Employment The Plan’s call for inclusive hiring and procurement practices is a critical step forward. Sporting Wheelies urges tangible targets and ongoing accountability in ensuring people with disability are employed in meaningful roles before, during, and after the Games. A Call to Collaborate Sporting Wheelies stands ready to work with the Queensland Government, Games bodies, and local councils to realise this inclusive vision. With more than 40 years of experience, and a team of access consultants, athletes, coaches, allied health professionals, and people with lived experience, the organisation offers a ready-made legacy partner – not just a stakeholder. “This isn’t just about being consulted. It’s about being involved. We’re ready to lead, partner, and deliver real outcomes that matter to our community,” Dane said. Click here to get in touch.
Welcome to Australia’s first-ever Para Clubhouse – your go-to place to stay active, connected, and part of a positive community! Whether you’re booking a session with our expert Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists, getting a workout in our fully accessible gym, enjoying group fitness classes, or growing your skills in sports like Wheelchair Basketball, Boccia, and more, there’s something here for everyone. Our Para Clubhouse is located at 2 Kilroe Street, Milton. Click here to get in touch. window.addEventListener("message", function (event) { if (event.data.type === "SCROLL_TOP") { const iframe = document.getElementById("cerge_iframe"); if (iframe) { iframe?.scrollIntoView(); } } else if (event.data.type === "HEIGHT_CHANGE") { const iframe = document.getElementById("cerge_iframe"); if (iframe) { iframe.style.height = event.data.height + "px"; } } });
Interested in learning to swim, or looking to boost your skills in the pool? We’re proud to offer a new Adaptive Aquatics program in partnership with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), at the fully accessible QUT indoor pool at the Gardens Point Campus in Brisbane. Expressions of interest are now open for a start date in mid-October – read on to find out more! Who is the program for? The program is open to people with a physical and/or intellectual disability. An experienced swimming coach will lead you through a private or group lesson, depending on your preference. What you'll learn Skills: Learn to swim or further develop your technique, to work towards your own personal goals Knowledge: Increase your confidence in the water and learn more about what works best for you Improved Fitness: Enjoy the health and wellness benefits of exercise, with the added benefits of being in the buoyant environment How the program works The program will run for eight weeks of each school term, on Fridays and Saturdays. Group lessons will be held for one hour, while private lessons will be held for 30 minutes. All lessons incorporate a warmup and mobility activities before the adaptive aquatic skills and development program. The program is individually tailored to your needs and goals, guided by your qualified swimming coach. You can use your NDIS funding to participate in the program, or we can invoice you directly. Click here to register your interest FAQs You can read our Frequently Asked Questions below, and contact us on 07 3253 3333 or email sport@sportingwheelies.org.au if you have any further questions. Our Adaptive Aquatics program will take place on Fridays and Saturdays, with both private and group lessons available. We’ll confirm specific timings with you after receiving expressions of interest. The lessons will take place at the QUT Fitness and Aquatic Centre, P Block, QUT Gardens Point Campus, 2 Gardens Point Rd. Find us on Google Maps. Accessible parking is available onsite and will be included in the program costs. The QUT Fitness and Aquatic Centre at Gardens Point has an indoor temperature-controlled pool, with an aquatics/pool wheelchair and ramp available to assist you to transfer in and out of the water. An accessible bathroom/change room is available. Please note there are no hoist facilities at the pool. The program caters for athletes of all levels, whether you are a beginner learning to swim, or a more advanced swimmer working on your stroke technique. That’s okay, we cater for beginners! However, we would recommend private lessons to give students one-on-one attention and support, which is important during the learning phase. You will need to bring your clothes to change into after your lesson, plus a towel, goggles and water. To maximise your lesson time, we recommend changing into your swimwear prior to arriving at the pool and arriving 10 minutes early, to ensure everything is ready to go at the commencement of the lesson time. We recommend having an additional person with you, whether that be a Personal Support Worker, family member or friend, to assist you during your lesson. This is particularly important for getting changed before and after swimming and transferring in and out of the pool. For health and safety reasons, clients with open wounds will not be able to enter the pool. If you have an open wound this will either need to be dressed or we may need to consider rescheduling. Please empty your urine/stoma bag before your lesson. If you feel as though you would be more comfortable covering this, we recommend wearing either a rashie or sun shirt. There are companies with a range of incontinence swimwear that are designed and approved to be used in all swimming and hydrotherapy pools internationally. Contact our team for more information. Yes! Just let us know when you complete our expressions of interest form, and we will invoice you at the end of the program term to claim through your NDIS funding. Read more on our form by clicking here. For participants who do not have NDIS funding, you can pay at the time of registration. Parking fees are included. Each term runs for eight weeks, with program lessons running for either 30 minutes (private lessons) or one hour (group lessons). You can sign up at any time during the term to give it a go. We will simply invoice you for any lessons remaining for the term. You can complete an expression of interest by clicking here and we’ll be in touch with more information soon. If you have any questions, give us a call on 3253 3333 or email sport@sportingwheelies.org.au. At Sporting Wheelies, we also offer: Wheelchair Fundamentals – This is our introductory program to the world of wheelchair sports, where you’ll learn more about wheelchair sports, master manual wheelchair handling and essential ball skills, and grow your fitness. Wheelchair Basketball – An exciting version of basketball that was initially started for its rehabilitation benefits, with all the fun that comes with being part of a team sport. Boccia – Often referred to as the world’s most inclusive sport, Boccia is a bowling game that requires concentration, strategy and accuracy. Para Powerlifting – Including bench press, squat and dead lift for athletes with vision impairment, and bench press for athletes with other physical disabilities If you just want to stay healthy and active, we also have a range of group fitness classes at our accessible gym, led by our experienced Exercise Physiologists. Visit our website to find out more. Questions? If you have any questions, call 07 3253 3333 or email sport@sportingwheelies.org.au.
Brisbane’s Jean-Paul (JP) is kicking goals in health, movement and social connection thanks to the sport of Boccia. After being introduced to the sport by his social worker, JP joined the Sporting Wheelies Inclusive Sports program and hasn’t looked back. The Inclusive Sports program gives participants aged six and over the chance to try a range of accessible sports such as wheelchair basketball, boccia, wheelchair rugby and goalball. Participants can experience many benefits such as improved physical health, increased mobility, learning new skills and making new friends. JP joined the program 11 years ago and chose to focus on Boccia after becoming hooked during a try-out day. He says he was immediately taken with the precision and competitive nature of the sport. “I saw first-hand the valuable impact the sport and community had on people just like me. Boccia introduced me to social engagement, a new sport and Sporting Wheelies to improve and maintain my physical wellbeing. This helps me to remain independent and live an active, healthy life. Boccia is also a highly competitive sport at the Paralympic level which very much appealed to me,” JP said. One sporting activity supports several goals. Boccia is helping JP to achieve his social and community participation and general health goals. One of his NDIS goals is: to build global strength and mobility to ensure he can live independently for as long as possible. “I have muscular dystrophy (FSH), a genetic condition that causes progressive wasting of the muscles. It’s important that I exercise to keep my body physically and mentally strong,” JP said. In addition to regular Boccia training, JP works with the Sporting Wheelies exercise physiologists and a personal trainer once a week. You’ll also find him working out regularly in the Sporting Wheelies accessible gym. “Working with an exercise physiologist helps me with everyday activities and sporting participation as it improves my endurance, strength and muscle control. Working out regularly over the past three years has been a huge contributing factor in helping me lose over 27 kilograms,” JP said. “It’s also improved my physical and mental wellbeing and confidence. Now, it’s easier for me to transfer from my wheelchair to a car, or my bed, be more independent in my personal care needs and I can more physically and mentally put more into activities like Boccia. I’m proud of what I’ve been able to achieve.” JP has gone on to represent Australia in Boccia on the world stage. This year he has already travelled to Italy and Chile to represent Australia. JPs approach to setting goals. Goal setting is something JP has practiced throughout his adult life - at home, in his studies, in sport and of course his NDIS Plan. “Goals provide me with a vision and a guide to what I would like to achieve in all areas of my life. By more specifically breaking down these goals, either by myself or with others like the team at Sporting Wheelies, I can develop a plan to successfully achieve my goals and overcome life’s challenges,” he explained. After returning to the Australian Boccia team and competing in Italy late last year, JP wants to continue to compete in Boccia internationally, including at the Santiago World Boccia Challenger event in Chile in 2023. The Sporting Wheelies Inclusive Sports program is available throughout Queensland, with additional programs coming soon at their newly launched Para Clubhouse in Milton. This article was first published in Leap In Magazine.