Recreation

Looking for physical activity and sporting opportunities?

When sourcing recreation activities for your family member with Down syndrome it's important to consider mainstream/generic options as well as disability options. This will open up many more opportunities for your family member and enable them to broaden their scope a little. Plus, there is no reason why someone shouldn't be accessing mainstream or generic options just because they have a disability.

You may be interested to read Inclusion of people with disabilities in sport and recreation

This webpage has been created to share information about activities for children & adults with Down syndrome. It is an area of our website that will be constantly updated. If you don't find what you are looking for now, keep an eye on this page for updates. Please also consider letting us know of good services in your area so that we can share the information.

You might like to also print off our information sheet titled 'Including a child with Down syndrome in community activities' and pass onto the teacher/coach of the recreational activity you choose. Contact us on 1300 658 873 or email.

Your local government offices should be able to offer contacts to help you find out about opportunities in your area.

Contact the Sport and Recreation Officer, or their equivalent, at your local council; or use the MetroAccess or RuralAccess service. These are initiatives of the Victorian State Disability Plan 2002-2012, that aim to build the capacity of local communities across Victoria to be more inclusive of people with disabilities. The DHS Community Building Contacts are listed on the MetroAcces/RuralAccess webpage.

If you are unsure of which DHS region you live in click here for a site that lists all Victorian suburbs with their DHS region.

The following organisations will also be able to assist you in accessing sport and recreation activities for a family member with a disability:

Access for all Abilities - The Access for All Abilities Program builds the capacity of the sport and recreation sector to provide active participation opportunities for people with adisability. A dedicated Access for All Abilities Coordinator is located within each
local Government area of Victoria and can assist families in locating local
sporting and recreation opportunities. Each AAA program works with a variety
of community and sports organisations. Click here to find your local AAA provider.

Special Olympics Victoria - Special Olympics is an international voluntary organisation providing training and athletic competition in a variety of sports for children and adults with an intellectual disability.

Down Syndrome Down Under Swimming Organisation - Team Australia: the world champion swimming team of Australians with Down syndrome.

Ausrapid - National organisation which aims to increase the sporting and recreational
opportunities for people with an integration disability in Australia. The website
includes links to all their partner organisations and to the state organisation:
Victorian Sport and Recreation Association of Persons with an Intellectual
Disability - Vicsrapid

Scope - Scope Community Inclusion & Development works closely with people with a disability, local government, community recreation and sporting providers and other specialist services to enhance participation in community life.

Sailability - Sailability Australia encourage & facilitate sailing and boating throughout Australia for people with disabilities in social, recreational and competitive activities.

Riding for the disabled - Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria helps young people with a disability develop the equestrian skills they need to enjoy sporting, competition and recreational activities with their peers.

Broaden Your Horizons - Broaden Your Horizons is a centralised website that houses resources relating to young people with disabilities. The Leisure Programs section lists contact information for organizations offering school holiday programs, day activities and vacation options. These programs provide education, skill development, leisure and recreational opportunities for young people with special needs while offering respite to their families.

Vicnord - VICNORD is the voice of Victorians with a disability, advocating for access to and support for participation in a wide range of recreation, sport, arts and tourism opportunities.