Inclusive Athletics in Action: Northern Territory (NT) Track and Field Day with Henbury School
Alex Woodward
Inclusion Coach - City of Darwin
On Friday 22nd August at Darwin’s Arafura Stadium, the NT Track and Field event brought together athletes from across the Territory for a day that combined competition, community, and celebration.
High school students, many experiencing their first organised athletics event, lined up alongside older athletes chasing personal bests. Some were newcomers, others carried the polish of experience, and together they showed what genuine inclusive athletics looks like, different ages, different abilities, all sharing the same track. The event was open to everyone, including Masters athletes, making it clear that sport can be fully inclusive without separating people based on ability.
For student athlete Mia, the day was both challenging and rewarding:
“It was a bit of a buzz to compete with so many other athletes. In the 200m race I was feeling a bit overwhelmed because the time of my race changed, so I had to race earlier. I just took a deep breath and raced. It was ok though because I did place 1st in my category – phew! And even better, I got a personal best!”
Emotional moments came quickly. Athletes crossing the line, beating personal bests, and sharing tears of happiness reminded everyone that every performance counted and nobody did it alone. Rivalries ended at the finish line, with competitors cheering just as loudly for each other as for themselves.
Sport4All at the Event
I attended the NT Track and Field Day representing Sport4All, working with Henbury School as part of our inclusion program. Henbury recently joined the initiative, with staff completing inclusion surveys and modules, and the school implementing the program to strengthen their already high level of disability inclusion. They invited me to attend the day, giving me the opportunity to connect with athletes and students.
I spoke with a few students about the excitement of meeting their favourite athletes and getting photos, seeing firsthand how inclusive sport creates meaningful experiences. Moments like these highlighted the importance of making everyone feel welcome, supported, and part of the sporting community.
Reflections as an Inclusion Coach
The day provided invaluable insight into how inclusion works in practice. Speaking with athletes, parents, and school staff reinforced a key lesson: disability in sport should be seen as no different from other differences. Some participants may need modified equipment or adapted rules, just like athletes recovering from injury, but they are fully capable of competing and succeeding.
This perspective will guide my work with clubs and schools, showing that inclusion is about opportunity, not limitation. Events like this turn ambition into action, reveal potential, and demonstrate how sport can build confidence, connection, and pride for everyone.
Why Pathways Events Matter
The NT Track and Field Day was more than an athletics event. It was a reminder of what sport can offer when everyone has a place in it: determination, connection, and the joy of being part of a community that celebrates every athlete.
For athletes with disability, these events not only provide competition but also create opportunities to discover potential, build confidence, and form lasting connections, the foundation for the sports leaders and champions of the future.
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