Paralympic Sports at State Sport Centres
As the Paralympics came to a close and a spectacular couple of months in Paris wrapped up, we wanted to highlight how State Sport Centres facilities are for all people – no matter their age or ability.
While we have several Paralympic Sports to try at our venues, we also have a bunch of different accessible sports on offer to try, or to come and watch.
As the Paralympics came to a close and a spectacular couple of months in Paris wrapped up, we wanted to highlight how State Sport Centres facilities are for all people – no matter their age or ability.
While we have several Paralympic Sports to try at our venues, we also have a bunch of different accessible sports on offer to try, or to come and watch.
Table Tennis
Para table tennis is one of the most exciting sports to watch, and has only been made more popular with Aussie Gold in Paris, thanks to Lina Lei and Qian Yang. MSAC is home to Table Tennis Victoria and Table Tennis Australia, and is proud to host Para players from all around Victoria, Australia, and internationally on a regular basis.
Booking a court at MSAC is easy, head to tabletennis.vic.org.au for their different offerings for players of all abilities.
Badminton
While Para badminton is only new to the Paralympics, it’s popularity only continues to grow! There’s no limit on who can play badminton at MSAC, and Badminton Victoria work closely with clubs to ensure inclusivity with their programs. While most of our courts are Taraflex for most abilities, there is also an uncovered court for wheelchair players. Book via our Client Portal here (searching Badminton).
Para Athletics
Lakeside Stadium, located across the road from Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, is open to all abilities for casual track usage, and competition. Athletics Victoria offers a range of opportunities for para-athletes, including through the Australian Junior and Open Championships, with equipment available for athletes who may not have access to facilities. For more information please head to Athletics Victoria’s website.
Wheelchair Basketball
If you’ve caught the Rollers taking to the court at the Paralympics, there’s no doubt you’ll see the hard work and tenacity that goes into Wheelchair Basketball. Basketball Victoria is the custodian for wheelchair basketball in Victoria, and the sport is played by over 80 Countries!
Fancy a casual shoot? Our casual courts are open to all, and you can book via our Client Portal.
Check out BV’s programs at basketballvictoria.com.au.
BV also offer Walking Basketball, an inclusive and low-impact option and All Abilities Basketball, providing participatory opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.
And if watching Basketball is more your thing, don’t miss the MCBA 3×3 Spring Showdown coming up on October 3 at MSAC.
Swimming
Ahmed Kelly, Col Pearse, Alexa Leary, Grant Patterson are household names of Para swimming, and there’s no better place than MSAC to get started on your swimming journey!
Whether that’s booking in for a casual lap swim here, or joining Swimming Victoria’s All Abilities Program, there are loads of benefits to getting in the pool!
Other accessible sports at SSC
Learn to Swim
It’s never too early to learn to swim and gain the skills for safe swimming for life! MSAC’s Learn to Swim program is open to all abilities, and in 2024 embarked on special Access and Inclusion classes. You can register your interest for these classes here, or find out more about Learn To Swim lessons here.
Powerchair Sports
While Powerchair Sports aren’t in the Paralympics, powerchair Hockey and Football are currently taking the world by storm! This fast, dynamic sport is a modified version of soccer/football and hockey, played by those who use powerchairs. The original game originated in France in the 1970’s and is played weekly (in season) at the State Netball Hockey Centre in Parkville.
Find out more about Powerchair sports here.
Wheelchair AFL
Victorians love their AFL and no matter the ability or the surface, we’ve found a way to play it! The Victorian Wheelchair Football League was launched in 2018 and has five teams in the competition as of 2024.
Spectatorship of this sport is growing, so you’ll be hard pressed to find a spot comes Finals at either the SNHC or at MSAC.
AFL Victoria offer lots of different programs for all, including AusKick Wheelchair, Community Leagues and Women’s Showcase Round.
Find out more at aflvic.com.au
Netball
Netball isn’t a Paralympic sport – yet! There’s plans for an Olympic debut in Brisbane 2032, and we’ll keep watching this space. In the meantime, Netball Victoria have an all abilities program including the All Abilities State Titles, and Marie Little Shield which are both played at the State Netball Centre in Parkville.
Head to vic.netball.com.au to find out more.
Keen to host your next accessible event at State Sport Centres? Head to our bookings page for more information.
Get to know some of the Paris Paralympians who train with us here at State Sport Centres, with exclusive interviews over on our YouTube channel.