Making Waves: Sport4All and Swimming Victoria Dive into Inclusive Sports

Promoting Inclusive Sports: A New Partnership Strengthens Disability Inclusion in Swimming

Sport4All is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Swimming Victoria. Together, they’ll champion inclusive sports by promoting disability inclusion across all aspects of swimming, from poolside to participation. This collaboration marks a significant leap forward in creating a truly inclusive aquatic environment, ensuring everyone can enjoy the transformative power of swimming.

By combining Sport4All’s expertise in inclusive practices with Swimming Victoria’s vast resources, the partnership aims to foster a welcoming space where people with disabilities can thrive. This extends beyond swimmers, encompassing coaches, officials, and volunteers as well. Training and ongoing support will empower Swimming Victoria and its member clubs to implement inclusive practices effectively, further propelling inclusive sports within the Victorian community.

Jason Hellwig, CEO of Swimming Victoria, enthusiastically shared, “At Swimming Victoria, we believe sport should be inclusive and welcoming to everyone. Partnering with Sport4All perfectly aligns with our vision of ensuring every individual, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to flourish in swimming. Together, we’re committed to breaking down barriers and fostering a vibrant community that celebrates diversity and values everyone. We’re excited to embark on this journey with Sport4All and make a lasting impact on inclusivity in swimming.”

In an aquatic center, three young people are standing together. From left to right, the first person wears a black shirt and purple shorts, with dark hair and spectacles, holding a marker. The middle person wears blue swimming trunks and swimming goggles, with congenital hand differences where the left hand is missing below the wrist. The third person, a young boy, is seen putting on a swimming cap and holding swimming goggles in his hand. Below the group, logos of Sport4All and Swimming Victoria are prominently displayed.

Mitch Gourley, National Manager of Sport4All, echoed this sentiment: “We’re thrilled to partner with Swimming Victoria to create safe, welcoming, and fun experiences for people with disabilities in all aspects of swimming. It’s fantastic to work with such a prominent sport that plays a vital role in our community. Swimming is more than just a sport; it’s a fundamental life skill. We look forward to collaborating with SV staff, volunteers, and members to celebrate existing efforts and dismantle barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully engaging in the swimming community.”

Sport4All Inclusion Coach Maria Strong offered a personal perspective: “As a young person with multiple impairments, swimming was my first sport. I later returned to it as both a swimmer and an official. I’m excited to work with Swimming Victoria and empower them to support member clubs in developing a truly disability-inclusive club culture.”

Sport4All and Swimming Victoria are committed to making a positive impact on Victoria’s swimming community. They strive to ensure everyone has the opportunity to experience the joys and benefits of swimming. This partnership underscores their dedication to inclusive sports, paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible future in the aquatic world.

About Swimming Victoria:  

Swimming Victoria is the governing body for swimming in Victoria, committed to promoting the sport and ensuring that it is accessible to everyone. Through leadership, support, and advocacy, Swimming Victoria aims to create a vibrant and inclusive swimming community. 

Get the Sport4All news sent to your inbox. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Press ESC to close

Andrew Negrelli

“Inclusive sport matters to me because there is no I in team and everyone is included. Inclusive sport looks like one big happy family all together. I love sport because it keeps me fit and active, and I feel part of a team”

Andrew Playing Tennis
Skip to content