Inclusive sports initiative opens field to all children

Variety Tasmania is opening up Australia’s sporting culture to children of all abilities through its expanding Variety Kids Sports Days initiative.

Primary students from across the Launceston and Meander Valley regions were bussed in to take part in events that exposed them to a variety of inclusive sports at the Deloraine Sports Complex. Students experienced four different sports including table tennis and boccia, offering a hands-on opportunity to build skills and confidence in an encouraging environment.

Now in its fourth year, the program offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for children living with physical, intellectual or sensory disabilities to discover and enjoy sport, often for the first time.

“We believe every child deserves the chance to play,” said Variety Tasmania CEO Mohammad Aldergham. “Variety Kids Sports Days are about breaking down barriers, physical, social and emotional, that too often prevent children from experiencing the benefits of sport.”

Aimed at closing the accessibility gap in school-based physical education, the events are free and offer a range of activities tailored to children’s individual needs. Sports on offer include Cricket, AFL, Tennis, Table Tennis and ParaQuad Wheelchair Basketball, all supported by local and national sporting organisations.

Children with disabilities remain significantly underrepresented in sport, and are less likely to engage in organised physical activities compared to their peers. The Variety Kids Sports Days aim to address this imbalance by providing a space where children can develop social skills, emotional resilience and a sense of achievement.

“Kids are just having fun,” said Mr Aldergham. “But behind that fun is real, long-term impact, from improved social skills and emotional regulation to increased confidence and a sense of achievement.”

Since launching in 2022, the initiative has seen more than 1,000 children participate in events across Tasmania. Its growth reflects the demand for inclusive sporting opportunities and the commitment of community partners to make sport accessible for all.

With Australia preparing to host the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, programs like Variety Kids Sports Days are contributing to a broader cultural shift towards inclusion in sport. 

Organisers hope that these grassroots experiences will inspire a new generation of athletes and ensure that every child can see a place for themselves in sport, whether on the field, the court or the podium.