A Brisbane occupational therapist (OT) is looking to help bridge the gap between ambition and participation for para athletes.
Jess Hill plans to run 50km a day for 50 days to raise funds for the ParaSTART program, which gives people with disabilities the opportunity to sample different sports.
Dr Hill said as Brisbane geared up for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, a critical gap that stopped many children with disabilities from ever stepping onto the field was the inability to try before they bought.
“Sport sampling programs are virtually non-existent for children with profound disabilities,” she said.
“Without early exposure, these kids rarely participate in sports as adults. Equipment costs run into the thousands, making it impossible for families to experiment with different sports.”
Dr Hill said the work of OTs, which is being highlighted this week during Occupational Therapy Week, is uniquely positioned to help.
“Within this multidisciplinary program, I provide my OT lens to support not just physical participation, but the cognitive, sensory, and social skills needed to thrive in sport.
“It’s so important to give children with disabilities every opportunity to participate and in the long term, perhaps inspire them towards their Paralympic dreams.”
Donations can be made through the Just Giving website.
