A new inclusive sports event launched on the Sunshine Coast is set to expand across regional Queensland after drawing more than 130 participants to its debut.
The inaugural All-Abilities Games at the Sunshine Coast Recreation Precinct in Currimundi attracted 169 registrations, with more than 130 participants recorded on the day.
Organisers are now preparing events in Moreton Bay, the Gold Coast, Toowoomba and Townsville in 2027.
Created by The Lavender Sky Foundation founder and director Danielle Lenord, the Games brought together children, young people and adults of all abilities for sporting workshops, exhibition matches and come-and-try activities.
Representatives from 17 sporting and community organisations took part, with activities including rugby league, wheelchair basketball and rugby, netball, soccer, powerchair football, cricket, skateboarding and swimming.
Participants were joined by families, volunteers, spectators and sporting representatives.
Ms Lenord said the event was designed to create opportunities extending beyond one day.
“The All-Abilities Games was created to bring people together through sport and provide opportunities that many individuals and families may not otherwise have access to,” she said.
“Seeing participants trying new sports, connecting with clubs and discovering opportunities for ongoing participation was exactly what we hoped to achieve.
“We have already seen new sporting registrations and expressions of interest following the Games, which demonstrates the importance of creating these connections and pathways.”
The program included rugby league workshops with former NRL player Moses Mbye, a Connect Rugby League exhibition match and swimming activities with marathon swimmer Susie Maroney OAM.
Among those taking part was Connect Rugby League player Cooper Erickson, who tried several activities and caught up with friends involved in the event.
“I liked kicking the ball over the posts with Moses Mbye, and I liked trying the big giant football,” Mr Erickson said.
“I liked seeing Kim at wheelchair rugby and when my inclusive touch finishes, I’m going to the Uni to try rugby in a wheelchair.
“I liked seeing Marley, Kayden, Taylah and Isobel at their stalls, and I also liked throwing the footy through the holes on the wall with Nick.”
Ms Lenord thanked the sporting organisations, volunteers, sponsors, community partners and families involved in the well-attended event.
“The success of the inaugural Games belongs to everyone who contributed, from our sporting organisations and volunteers to our sponsors, community partners and the families who came along,” she said.
“Inclusion is about more than providing an opportunity to participate.
“It is about creating environments where people feel welcomed, valued and genuinely belong.”
The Sunshine Coast event is the first of five planned All-Abilities Games activations.
Ms Lenord said preparations had begun for the four 2027 events, with organisers aiming to build partnerships with sporting clubs, disability organisations, councils, businesses and community groups in each region.
“We would like everyone to have the same opportunities to participate, compete, connect and belong, regardless of their ability and where they live,” she said.
“This is just the beginning of what we hope will become a significant and lasting sporting movement across Queensland.”
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The Lavender Sky Foundation is a registered Australian charity focused on disability inclusion, community participation and connection.
The All-Abilities Games is supported by the Queensland government.
