New twist on level playing field

Turning the concept of inclusion on its head was the aim of a new University of the Sunshine Coast program that invites able-bodied individuals to try their hands at wheelchair basketball.
Run in conjunction with the Suncoast Spinners, the innovative Reverse Inclusion program will offer dozens of workshops and lectures over the course of a year to university students, school students and members of the public.
The program run by USC researcher and Paralympic wheelchair basketball medallist Bridie Kean was launched last week during the university’s Diversity Week.
“People with physical disabilities are often excluded from participating in typical team sports, whereas everyone – including the able-bodied – can have a go at wheelchair basketball,” she said.
“In these workshops, the wheelchair is simply a piece of sporting equipment to play the game.
“Through reverse inclusion we are creating an environment where no-one is left on the sidelines, and siblings, friends and workmates can play sport together.”
Coaches and athletes from the Suncoast Spinners will help lead the workshops, including USC student and Australian wheelchair basketball representative Steven Elliott and Hannah Dodd.