Townsville is Championing Inclusive Sport

Inclusive sport Townsville efforts are building strong momentum, with Sport4All Inclusion Coach Shamika Pryor-Woods expanding connections across the region

What began as a simple coffee catch-up with Beverley from Special Olympics Australia quickly developed into a growing regional partnership focused on strengthening inclusion for people with disability and First Nations communities in north Queensland

From Conversation to Community Action

Following their initial meeting, Beverley invited Shamika to attend the Get Active Day in Townsville. With the event organised at short notice, Beverley generously displayed Sport4All flyers at her stall to ensure the message of inclusion reached the community.

The response was immediate. Parents, clubs and community members were eager to learn more about disability inclusion Townsville initiatives. Flyers quickly ran out – a clear signal that the community is ready for structured support.

Expanding Inclusive Sport Across Townsville Clubs

Rather than remaining at the stall, Shamika stepped outside her comfort zone and proactively introduced herself to a wide range of sporting organisations across Townsville

She connected with representatives from:

Rugby league
Netball
Sailing
Athletics
Grassroots community sport clubs

Conversations focused on how clubs can create environments where everyone feels they belong – including First Nations peoples and people with disability

Beverley facilitated introductions to local council bodies and sporting departments, opening doors to further collaboration

Together, they exchanged contact details, discussed inclusion training for sporting clubs and explored opportunities to support modified programs across the region.

Strengthening Regional Partnerships Beyond Townsville

The collaboration is already extending beyond one event. Shamika and Beverley are attending the Community Sign On Day in Charters Towers, continuing their outreach across north Queensland. With Shamika organising the stall and leading conversations, the partnership is evolving from an informal introduction into sustained regional engagement.

Inclusive sport Townsville is not built through one-off events. It grows through relationships.

By prioritising genuine connection, local collaboration and practical support, Sport4All is strengthening disability inclusion and First Nations participation pathways across north Queensland.

What began as a coffee conversation has become a foundation for long-term regional impact.