Play for Equity in Action: Australia Supports Inclusive Sport With Special Olympics PNG

The Australian Government and Special Olympics Papua New Guinea (PNG) are expanding inclusive sporting opportunities for children and young people with disabilities in the National Capital District (NCD) and Central Province communities. 

Made possible by the Australian Government’s Play for Equity fund, the funding supports Special Olympics PNG’s mission to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. 

Key activities delivered through the grant include a badminton coaching course for up to 20 coaches from schools and communities, strengthening their skills to support athletes with disabilities.

This was followed by a badminton competition involving 50 para-athletes, aged 10-18, creating a rare opportunity for young athletes, particularly girls, to compete in a supportive and inclusive environment. 

The grant has also delivered a two-day competition for unified football, an inclusive form of the game where players with and without disabilities play together on the same team. 205 participants joined the competition, promoting inclusion, teamwork, and mutual respect, both on and off the field. 

Special Olympics PNG Sports Director Ms. Sophia Tuna praised the Play for Equity initiative and the opportunities it provides for children with disabilities. 

“Thanks to the Australian Government’s Play for Equity program, we have been able to deliver more inclusive sports activities in Papua New Guinea, reaching hundreds of children and creating safe spaces where they can play, belong, and grow. Opportunities that would not have been possible otherwise,” Ms. Tuna said. 

The grant also provided coaching and competition support for bocce ball and athletics ahead of the “Come and Try” athletics competition to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in December last year. 

Since 2022, Play for Equity has supported individuals and organizations across PNG and the Pacific to deliver small, community-led projects that promote gender and disability justice through sport.

To date, Play for Equity has supported 63 recipients across 13 Pacific Island countries, helping create safer, more inclusive spaces for people to participate, connect, and thrive through sport and play.