More than 10,000 learners now engaged through Australia’s leading inclusive sport learning ecosystem
As Australia celebrates National Volunteer Week (18–24 May) and recognises the people who make sport possible, Special Olympics Australia is proud to announce a significant milestone – more than 10,000 learners are now engaged through its award-winning Inclusive Sport Academy.
The milestone highlights the growing momentum behind inclusive sport across Australia and reflects increasing demand for accessible, flexible and practical learning experiences that empower coaches, teachers, volunteers, allied health professionals and community leaders to create more inclusive sporting environments.
Originally launched in 2018, the Inclusive Sport Academy has evolved into one of Australia’s leading digital ecosystems for inclusive sport education and workforce development.
Today, the platform includes 19 specialised learning products and has delivered more than 9,000 course completions nationally, achieving:
- 10,000+ registered learners
- 80% average course completion rates
- 95% learner satisfaction
Importantly, many of those learners are volunteers – the people who dedicate their time each week to ensuring athletes with intellectual disability and/or autism can participate, belong and thrive through sport.
Special Olympics Australia CEO Jamie O’Connor said the milestone reflects far more than platform growth.
“This milestone reflects the growing commitment to inclusive sport across communities nationwide. Every learner represents someone better equipped to create positive sporting experiences for people with intellectual disability and autism,”
Special Olympics Australia CEO Jamie O’Connor
“During National Volunteer Week especially, it’s important to recognise the many volunteers who continue to invest their time into learning and development so they can better support our athletes and communities. Their willingness to learn, grow and lead inclusion at a grassroots level is incredibly powerful.”
“This milestone reflects the growing commitment to inclusive sport across communities nationwide. Every learner represents someone better equipped to create positive sporting experiences for people with intellectual disability and autism,” O’Connor said.
“During National Volunteer Week especially, it’s important to recognise the many volunteers who continue to invest their time into learning and development so they can better support our athletes and communities. Their willingness to learn, grow and lead inclusion at a grassroots level is incredibly powerful.”
Beyond supporting Special Olympics Australia programs directly, the Inclusive Sport Academy also provides resources and learning opportunities that assist clubs, schools and National Sporting Organisations seeking to improve accessibility and participant experiences within their own environments.
The initiative continues to be strengthened through the support of Gallagher, reinforcing a shared commitment to safer, more inclusive sporting communities.
Developed in partnership with Playbk Sports, the Inclusive Sport Academy demonstrates how digital learning can support scalable workforce education while maintaining strong engagement and real-world impact.
Damian Hecker, Playbk Sports Chief Operating Officer, said the long-term success of the ecosystem comes from its ability to support practical delivery outcomes within communities.
“What stands out most is the confidence people take back into their clubs, schools and sporting environments after completing the learning,” Hecker said.
“The 95% learner satisfaction result is a strong reflection of the platform’s practical impact and relevance for the inclusive sport sector.
“Ultimately, this is about helping more people – including volunteers, coaches and community leaders – feel equipped to create welcoming, engaging and inclusive sporting experiences in their communities.”
As the Inclusive Sport Academy continues to evolve, Special Olympics Australia and Playbk Sports remain committed to expanding participation opportunities and supporting a future where inclusive sport is accessible in every community across Australia.
Powered by the Playbk Platform and supported through Playbk Participate and Playbk IQ, the Inclusive Sport Academy has become a leading example of how digital learning ecosystems can strengthen workforce capability, improve accessibility and support long-term participation outcomes at scale.
To learn more about the Inclusive Sport Academy or access inclusive sport education resources, visit Inclusive Sport Academy
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For further information or media, please contact:
Special Olympics Australia: me***@*****************om.au
Playbk Sports: in**@**********ts.com
About Special Olympics Australia
Special Olympics Australia is part of a global movement using the power of sport to build a more inclusive world for people with intellectual disability and/or autism. At Special Olympics Australia, we believe sport can do more than inspire. It can shift culture. It can shape policies. It can change behaviours. And it can change the way the world sees ability.
All year round, we offer Olympic-type sports training and competitions for children and adults of all ages and ability levels – from weekly local grassroots activities, to State, National and World Games. But what we do goes far beyond sport. We break down barriers and we ignite confidence. We are a movement where no one is left behind, and everyone plays, competes, and thrives.
About Playbk Sports
Founded in 2015, Playbk Sports builds digital products for sport that grow participation, strengthen pathways and develop people at scale.
Trusted by leading organisations across the AFL, NRL, NBL and National Sporting Organisation landscape, Playbk Sports partners with clubs and governing bodies to deliver connected digital experiences across schools, workforce development and athlete pathways.
