The healing power of sport – what are adaptive sports

Quite often we hear or read about how being active is good for our health and wellbeing. In fact, the Australian Government has physical activity guidelines that advises how much physical activity we should be doing each week for good health according to our age.

Participating in regular physical activity can help us maintain a healthy body weight, reduce our risk of developing heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other chronic illnesses, reduce stress, improve our sleep and even improve our mood.

Even if you’re injured or ill, you can still be active with others in a safe, fun and supportive environment with adaptive sports. Adaptive sports assist veterans who have been wounded or ill recover and rehabilitate whilst participating in physical activity and sports. 

Adaptive sports are usually comparable to classic sports such as rowing, biking, rugby or soccer, with the inclusion of modifications to allow people with infirmities the opportunity to participate independently, with confidence and comfort, for example wheelchair sports.

Connecting with others through sport is a great way for veterans to build connections to their local community. Belonging to a sporting team or group can help build routine and create stability in daily life. What’s more - participating in team sport or being part of a group can create an enhanced sense of belonging and builds social cohesion and friendships.  

Paralympian, veteran and OAM recipient Curtis McGrath, provides an insight into adaptive sports in this short video:

The great thing about physical activity is that anything is better than nothing: do some rather than none. Stand instead of sit, walk instead of stand. Find out what you’re capable of and discover sporting and opportunities to be active in your local area:

  • Across the country Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs provide a range of services to all current and former serving Australian Defence Force members and reservists, and families, including mental and physical health services. Each hub delivers a range of support services, activities and events to get the local veteran community involved. More information on what is available at the hubs is on the Veterans and Families hub page on the DVA website
  • Invictus Australia, alongside the ADF delivers the Adaptive Sport Program (ASP) to injured, wounded or ill veterans. Invictus Australia creates local and international sporting and recreational opportunities for veterans to participate as a competitor, volunteer, coach, referee and/or as mentor in sport, including the Invictus Games and Warrior Games. For more information about the ASP or the Australia’s participation in the 2023 Invictus Games head to the Invictus Australia website
  • Jointly founded by The Hospital Research Foundation and UniSA, the Invictus Pathways Program (IPP), focusses on the use of sport, exercise and participation in community adaptive sports. More information is available on the Uni-SA website
  • Many ex-service organisations (ESOs) provide veterans with opportunities to be active in their local community or will have links to local sporting organisations. A list of ESOs is available on the DVA website
  • The Vet Friendly Club (VFC) program developed by Rugby 1st Limited, in support of Invictus Australia, engages, accredits and connects sporting clubs, with current and former serving members of the ADF. More information for clubs and players is available at www.vetfriendlyclub.com.au

If you have pre-existing health issues, are new to exercise, or are starting a new activity, DVA recommends speaking to your doctor or a health professional first.

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