On Thursday 14 August, Health Promotion Service delivered a workshop Moving Together – fundamental skills for inclusive sport lessons, a dynamic half-day event that brought together educators, health professionals, sports providers, and inclusion advocates from across the Central Coast. Led by Michelle Syddall and Nina Douglass from the Live Life Well @ School team, the workshop aimed to empower schools with practical tools and strategies to make physical activity lessons and sport more inclusive and enjoyable for all students.
With 53 attendees representing over twenty primary schools and high schools, three Local Health Districts, and 14 sports clubs and providers, the event was a vibrant mix of perspectives and expertise. Participants engaged in a series of sessions from a Q&A panel including perspectives from people with lived experience of disability, presentations from the Department of Education’s School Sport Unit and Special Olympics Australia,and a networking session that sparked new collaborations and ideas.
Feedback from the day was overwhelmingly positive. Nearly two-thirds of respondents said the workshop exceeded their expectations, and the Special Olympics presentation was rated “very useful” by over 70% of attendees. The networking session and Q&A panel also received strong praise, highlighting the value of shared experiences and open dialogue.
Attendees left feeling inspired and equipped with a range of practical ideas to implement in their schools. Many spoke about the importance of modifying lessons and equipment, using the TREE model to adapt activities, and exploring the wealth of resources available through Department of Education School Sport Unit and Special Olympics Australia, including;
- Opportunities for students with disability
- Information on multi-class, the format used to create meaningful competition
- The classification system that groups athletes and swimmers into categories based on their ability in a specific sport.
- The Unified Champions Schools Program by Special Olympics Australia, a program aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities
There was a strong emphasis on student voice, with several educators noting that when students help shape the game, they feel ownership and are more likely to engage. Most importantly, the panel discussion included adults with lived experience of disability, who shared thoughtful reflections on their experiences of sport in school and highlighted how educators can model inclusive practices for the next generation, ensuring inclusion becomes a natural and essential part of the school culture
The workshop also sparked strong interest in further professional learning and in-school programs, with schools keen to explore workshop opportunities and partnerships with local providers. While the half-day format was designed to accommodate school schedules, many participants expressed a desire for a longer, more hands-on experience in future—suggesting full-day sessions with live demonstrations and practical activities. This enthusiastic response is a clear testament to the value and impact of the workshop, reflecting a genuine appetite for deeper engagement in inclusive sport education.
Health Promotion Service is now exploring ways to build on the success of this event, with plans to expand access to resources and continue fostering inclusive sport communities across the Central Coast. As one participant summed it up: “This PL [professional learning] was amazing in shaping my approach to inclusive education, not just in sport, but across all learning.”
For more information and updates on future workshops, contact the Live Life Well team via email at CCLHD-LLWaS@health.nsw.gov.au or phone (02) 4320 9700. Be sure to sign up for the Live Life Well @ School newsletter, where you’ll find free resources, information, and upcoming professional learning opportunities to support primary school staff, students, and their families.