Brisbane-based not-for-profit Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association has received a $1.1 million grant, raising the bar on the goals and achievements available to those living with a disability.

The grant will fund Sporting Wheelies new Raising the Bar – Peer Support Leadership Program, employing Queenslanders living with a disability as Peer Support Leaders (PSL) to create awareness and empowerment amongst the community.

In recent years, the technology, support and facilities available to those living with a disability has increased drastically, however exposure to these resources can be difficult for those not active in the community. The PSL will bring this crucial information and their own personal stories to Queenslanders living with a disability, so they can set goals higher and achieve more.

Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association CEO, Amanda Mather said the grant will help raise awareness about what’s possible for people living with disability.

“This grant from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will support our mission to make all active goals possible. We are passionate about generating awareness and understanding of the many opportunities available to the almost one-in four Aussies living with a disability,” Mather said.

“Sporting Wheelies support the variety of active goals people may have, from increasing mobility and independence, improving health, socialising, and participating recreationally through to professional sport,” she said. “The program will employ Queenslanders living with a disability in our metro cities, as well as rural and remote regions, to inspire others and raise the bar for all people with disabilities.”

The program will also engage schools to educate children about disability, Paralympic sports and show students it is possible for everybody to achieve and set active goals. Sporting Wheelies are working towards a world of greater opportunities for people of all abilities. Raising the Bar – Peer Support Program is developed to create higher standards for the goals and aspirations of people living with a disability.

Believing sport offers much more than an opportunity to represent a region, state, or country, Sporting Wheelies provide people with an opportunity to have fun, make new friends, and develop skills. All whilst getting fit and raising awareness of what Australians with disabilities can achieve within a supportive environment.

Through increasing understanding and championing the importance and benefits of physical activity, Sporting Wheelies have inspired and enabled people with a disability to be active for over 40 years and are the peak sporting body for five Paralympic sports in Queensland.