On Wednesday 1 April, the Pat Gallagher Netball Centre in Alice Springs came alive with the energy of inclusive sport, as 102 participants from across the region gathered for the Alice Springs Mini Paralympics.

Delivered by Northern Territory Sports Academy in partnership with Paralympics Australia and Flinders University, the event welcomed students from three local schools: Steiner School, Living Waters and Acacia Hill. It was a day that showcased just how impactful sport can be in connecting communities, building confidence and opening pathways for athletes of all abilities.

The day featured six diverse para-sports, each facilitated by skilled coaches and national sport organisation representatives. The participants got a genuine taste of competitive and recreational aspects of boccia, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball, athletics, goal ball and tennis. The range of activities on offer meant that young people of varying abilities and interests could find their place on the court or track.

Flinders University’s Dr Mandy Plumb (Associate Professor in Rural and Remote Health) played a key role in the partnership, alongside with Chris Hince (Lecturer in Remote Health) and placement students Elijah, John, Claire, India and Ella.

The involvement of Flinders University placement students was a particular highlight bringing health and allied health perspectives into the para-sport space while giving students invaluable hands-on experience in a remote community setting. Overall, the Flinders team thoroughly enjoyed participating in the day and learned a great deal from all contributors.

The Mini Paralympics was a launch pad to the next phase that focuses on athlete retention, development and creating clear progression pathways for young people in the region. For Flinders University, this partnership exemplifies a commitment to community-embedded health and sport – meeting people where they are, in places that matter.