Inspired by Australia’s Para-Sport Stars? Get Active With Lifely

Watching Australian Para-sport athletes compete at the Commonwealth Games can be exciting and inspiring.

Their strength, skill and determination may encourage you to try a new sport, return to an activity you enjoy or work towards your own sporting goals.

You do not need to be an elite athlete to enjoy sport. You do not need to compete or win medals. Sport can help you move more, improve your health and build confidence. It is also a great way to make friends, learn new skills and have fun.

Whether you want to join a team, dance, train for a competition or cheer from the sidelines, Lifely can help you get involved.

Try All-Abilities Sport With Lifely

All-abilities sport gives people of different ages, experiences and abilities the chance to participate.

Lifely runs friendly and inclusive programs where you can learn at your own pace. You can meet new people and enjoy being active in a supportive group.

Our All-Abilities Sport programs include:

• Bendigo Netball for All: Learn netball skills and enjoy friendly games with modified rules.
• Mildura Basketball for All: Practise your basketball skills in a fun, social and supportive group.
• Mildura Dancing for All: Enjoy accessible dance and movement activities for different ages and abilities.

There are also many other accessible sport, exercise and recreation groups across our region. Lifely can help you find an activity that matches your interests, goals and support needs.

Want to try all-abilities sport? Call Lifely on 1300 799 421, email intake@lifely.org.au or visit our All-Abilities Sport page.

Mildura Basketball for All player shoots for the hoop while a Lifely support worker defends.

One-on-One Support for Your Sporting Goals

Lifely’s one-on-one support can help up-and-coming Para athletes and everyday sports fans become more active.

We will listen to your goals and support you to take part in sport in a way that works for you.

Depending on your needs, a Lifely support worker may help you:

• Find an accessible sport or exercise group
• Travel to training, games and competitions
• Prepare and pack your clothing, equipment, food or medication
• Follow your routine before and after training
• Communicate with your coach, club or teammates
• Understand instructions and stay focused
• Build confidence in a new sporting environment
• Attend sporting events as a player, volunteer or fan
• Manage crowds, changes or unfamiliar places
• Celebrate your progress and stay motivated

If you and a teammate both have suitable NDIS funding and compatible support needs, you may be able to share a Lifely support worker. Shared support can help make your funding go further while you travel, train or attend events together.

Your coach will guide your sports training. Your support worker can help remove the everyday barriers that make it harder to participate.

Ready to get moving? Call 1300 799 421, email intake@lifely.org.au or complete Lifely’s online referral form to ask about one-on-one or shared support.

Three women with intellectual disabilities enjoy dancing together to keep fit and have fun.

Support Coordination for an Active Lifestyle

Understanding what the NDIS may fund can feel confusing. Lifely’s Support Coordination team can explain your options and help you use your plan to work towards an active lifestyle.

Depending on your disability, goals and NDIS plan, a support coordinator may help you:

• Find accessible and inclusive sporting groups
• Connect with Para-sport organisations and mainstream clubs
• Find support workers who can help you attend activities
• Connect with occupational therapists, physiotherapists and other professionals
• Gather information for assistive technology or mobility aid requests
• Explore modified equipment related to your disability
• Prepare for NDIS planning meetings or plan reassessments
• Explore sporting grants and community funding
• Coordinate your services so they work well together

The NDIS does not usually pay for everyday sporting costs such as club memberships, uniforms, entry fees or standard equipment.

However, it may fund reasonable and necessary disability-related supports that help you participate. Your support coordinator can help you understand the difference and explore other funding when the NDIS cannot cover a cost.

Want help using your NDIS plan to get active? Call 1300 799 421, email intake@lifely.org.au or complete our online referral form to speak with Lifely’s Support Coordination team.

How Plan Management Can Help You Enjoy Sport

Lifely’s Plan Management team can help you understand how your NDIS funding may support your Para-sport, all-abilities sport or physical activity goals.

Depending on your plan and disability-related needs, your funding may help pay for:

• A support worker to help you attend training or events
• Disability-related transport support
• Approved assistive technology
• Modified equipment related to your disability
• Therapies connected to your mobility and activity goals
• Other disability-related support you need to participate

Your plan manager can explain your budget, pay provider invoices and help you track your spending. They can also check NDIS price limits and tell you when a budget is running low.

The NDIS does not usually pay for standard sporting costs, including memberships, uniforms and entry fees. Your plan manager can help you understand which invoices may be paid from your plan and which costs you may need to pay yourself.

Lifely’s plan managers cannot approve new funding. However, they can give you clear information and help you use your existing NDIS plan with confidence.

Want to know how your NDIS budget may support your active lifestyle? Call 1300 799 421, email intake@lifely.org.au or complete our online referral form to talk with Lifely Plan Management.

Turn Your Inspiration Into Action

Australia’s Para-sport athletes show what people can achieve with opportunity, commitment and the right support.

Your goal does not have to be competing at the Commonwealth Games. It could be attending your first training session, learning a new skill, joining a local team or becoming more active each week.

Every goal matters. Every athlete starts somewhere.

The Lifely team will be cheering for Australia’s Para-sport athletes. We hope their achievements inspire more people with disability to discover the fun, friendship and confidence that all-abilities sport can bring.

Ready to take your first step? Call Lifely on 1300 799 421, email intake@lifely.org.au or complete our online referral form to start a conversation about your sporting goals.