Finding My Way Back to the Water
Fiona Kleinitz
Sport4All Sport Inclusion Coach - Sport North East
Fiona’s Story of Inclusive Sports Participation
Imagine getting back into the pool after 20 years… That’s exactly what I did recently, and it sparked a whole conversation about inclusion, accessibility, and why we need to make sure everyone feels welcome in the water.
It all started with a trip to Wodonga, where I met with Swimming Victoria and the Ovens & Murray Swimming Association to talk about Sport4All’s mission of inclusive sports participation. I’m Fiona Kleinitz, the Sport4All Inclusion Coach at Sport North East, and part of my role is to educate and support local sports clubs and schools to be more inclusive for people with disabilities.
Sport4All is doing amazing work across Australia to change the landscape of inclusive sports participation. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate and enjoy the benefits of sport, regardless of their abilities. Through education, resources, and advocacy, we’re helping to break down barriers and create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
This visit to Wodonga was particularly special for me, because my own journey with swimming has had its ups and downs. Back in the 90s, I was a swimming instructor and loved everything about the water. But then in 2003, I had a stroke that paralysed my left side. After a lot of rehab, I could walk again, and hydrotherapy was my absolute favourite. Those sessions in the water were a lifeline, helping me regain strength and confidence.
Life got busy after that, and I stopped swimming regularly. Last year, I finally felt ready to get back in, but it wasn’t easy. I couldn’t do what I used to. With some flippers, a pool weight, and a ton of kicking, I found my rhythm again. I even joined a water aerobics class!
But getting back in the water also brought up some questions. Why did I stop swimming for so long? What had I missed out on? Was it because I was worried about not being welcomed or not being able to keep up? Maybe those fears were holding me back, even subconsciously.
We had a great discussion with the folks in Wodonga about what it means to feel included and the barriers that can exist, even in a place like a swimming pool. The takeaway? Keep swimming! So, I’ll be back in the water as soon as my local pool reopens.
This whole experience really reinforced why I’m so passionate about my work with Sport4All:
- Everyone deserves to feel welcome in inclusive sports participation: No matter what their abilities or challenges are.
- We need to keep having conversations about inclusive sports participation: Even in spaces where we might assume everyone feels comfortable.
- It’s never too late to try something new (or rediscover an old passion): Getting back in the pool has been a challenge, but it’s been so worth it.
I’m excited to continue supporting clubs and schools in creating more inclusive environments, and I can’t wait to see more people of all abilities enjoying the water! With Sport4All leading the way in inclusive sports participation, I know we can make a real difference in the lives of people across Australia.
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