Paralympian Advocates for NSW’s First Wheelchair-Friendly Skate Park with $20,000 Grant

Newcastle is set to roll into a new era of inclusivity as Paralympian Jamie Lee leads the charge to activate New South Wales’ first wheelchair-accessible skate park, bolstered by a $20,000 grant dedicated to inclusive sports events.

The funding, provided by City of Newcastle, will be shared among eight local initiatives aimed at increasing participation in sports for people with disabilities. The grants were announced during the Inclusive Sports Pitch Night at this year’s “All In Sport” festival.

Jamie Lee will host a “come and try” wheelchair motocross (WCMX) demonstration at the newly developed Coastal Skate Park in East Newcastle. The event is designed to showcase how wheelchair users can engage with the skate park’s accessible features, promoting both physical activity and social inclusion.

Director of Community Services at City of Newcastle, Rebecca Martin, emphasised the council’s commitment to fostering an inclusive sporting environment.

“This funding is a significant step towards ensuring everyone in our community has the opportunity to participate in sport,” Ms Martin said. “We’re excited to support initiatives that break down barriers and promote inclusivity.”

Jamie Lee expressed enthusiasm about the project’s potential impact.

“This skate park is more than just a place to ride; it’s a community space where everyone can come together,” Jamie said. “I’m thrilled to demonstrate how accessible facilities can empower wheelchair users and inspire others in the disability community.”

The grants will also support a variety of other sports, including adaptive tennis, inclusive surfing lessons, wheelchair rugby, and accessible dance workshops. Local organisations like the Newcastle Rollers Basketball Club and Surf Together Newcastle are among the recipients.

Sarah Mitchell, founder of “Kids on Wheels,” will use the funding to continue her weekly adaptive sports program for children under 12 at the Newcastle Community Centre.

“There’s a real need for age-appropriate, accessible sports programs for young kids,” Ms Mitchell said. “This grant allows us to expand our offerings and reach more families.”

The Newcastle Bears Football Club plans to enhance safety measures at their grounds by installing soft edging around playing surfaces, catering to players who may have balance challenges or are at a higher risk of falls.

The “All In Sport” festival, held from 12–19 August, featured a range of events designed in collaboration with City of Newcastle’s Access and Inclusion Committee and community members with lived experience of disability. Highlights included an inclusive sports day and a forum with guest speakers, including former professional athletes advocating for accessibility in sports.

Community members are encouraged to participate in the upcoming events and support the movement towards a more inclusive sporting landscape in Newcastle.