Adaptive sports, big smiles, and one rhino: Inside Hills Abilities Unleashed Kids

What happens when you mix adaptive sports, incredible kids, and one very enthusiastic rhino? Pure magic.

Last week, Iti joined the fun at Hills Abilities Unleashed Kids, an event by Disability Sports Australia (DSA) designed to give young athletes the chance to explore adaptive sports and discover just how much they’re capable of.

A day of possibilities

The Bernie Mullane Sports Complex was buzzing as kids aged 5 to 18 living with sensory, physical, or intellectual disabilities, jumped into a world of sport. Split into groups, they tried everything from basketball to badminton and more, all with equipment designed to make the experience accessible and fun.

Trying something new can feel daunting. But that’s where Iti came in, breaking down walls, stomping out fear, and serving up plenty of laughs. From cheering on first attempts to celebrating wins, Iti made sure every athlete felt supported and included. Because at NDSP, we believe that together, we’ve got this.

Why this matters

It’s no coincidence that this happened on International Day of People with Disability, a global celebration of inclusion, because this event was about so much more than sport…  it was about belonging.

At NDSP, we’re proud to walk alongside our clients and support opportunities like this – from grassroots events to Paralympics Australia, which we sponsor – because everyone deserves the chance to play, compete, and feel part of something bigger.

Ready to get moving?

If you’ve been thinking about giving sport a go, we’ve got a resource to help you take the next step. Our free guide, ‘Get Active, Stay Involved’, is packed with practical tips and links to help Australians with disability start their sporting journey. Grab your free copy here!

A big shout out

Disability Sports Australia has been championing inclusive sport for over 60 years, and events like this show why their work matters. Sport builds confidence. It connects people. It helps people feel included and capable, and that’s exactly what we stand for at NDSP too. We’re here because we want to encourage people to have a go.

DSA opens doors to sport, and NDSP helps people walk through them, supported and ready. And yes, It was right in the thick of I, meeting future sporting stars and cheering them on. Check out the photos… can you spot the rhino in the crowd? (She’s pretty hard to miss!)