Disabled sports in Australia
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Disability sport in Australia encompasses individuals with different disabilities, of all ages and skill levels from recreational to professional, participating in sport in Australia. The apex of disability sport in Australia is the Paralympics. Australia's participation at the Paralympics began with the inaugural 1960 Summer Paralympics and 1976 Winter Paralympics. Australia hosted the 2000 Summer Paralympics in Sydney.
Federal government involvement in disability sport has focused on 'mainstreaming' disability sport, which has the objective of seeing disability sport together with sport generally, rather than a distinct area.[1] The most popular disability sport in Australia is swimming.[2] Sport Australia's inclusive sport framework focuses on fostering a positive sporting environment for everyone, regardless of age, ability, cultural background, physical or intellectual disabilities.[3] Australian participation in disability sports is lower than in able bodied sports. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, approximately 59% of individuals with a reported disability between 5 and 14 years old participated in physical activity, compared to 20% of 15–64-year-olds and 12% of individuals aged older than 65.[4]