World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI)’s Post

2023 has been a bumper year for BSA and blind sports across Australia. Read all about it in our 2023 Annual Report - a special expanded edition that includes a short report of the IBSA World Blind Games in August which saw our largest ever Australian Team take part in six sports. “It has been fantastic to see the growth of blind sport and the increased activity across the country in the past year. Our sports have enjoyed a bumper year, with national and international competitions once again taking place. A real highlight has been the growth and opportunities in female sport, particularly in blind football and blind cricket which is a strong indicator of the ongoing growth in blind sport and opportunities for people who are blind and vision impaired to get involved and active," comments Matt Clayton, BSA CEO. Click the link below to view our 2023 Annual Report, which is available in both an accessible PDF graphic format, and a plain text word file. https://lnkd.in/gevD87Pn Image description in Alt Text. Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria (BSRV) , Blind Sports & Recreation NSW/ACT,Blind Sports WA, Blind Sports SA , Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association, Inclusive Innovations Tasmania, Goalball Australia, Australian Blind Football, Paralympics Australia, Australian Sports Commission, Vision Australia, VisAbility, Mastercard, Tennis Australia, Cricket Australia, Bowls Australia, Judo Australia, Archery Australia Inc, Zena Sport, Tribal Sport, Handi Life Sport, Vision Australia, Australian Sporting Alliance for People with a Disability (ASAPD) #blindsportsaustralia, #inclusivesport #inclusionmatters #allabilities #SportForAll

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Community facilities are not just spaces - they are the vibrant heartbeats of our neighborhoods, nurturing much more than just physical health and fitness. These spaces are where children learn invaluable life lessons - resilience, teamwork, the importance of hard work, and the realities of both winning and losing. This, in turn has immense benefits for future generations of our communities. Being a part of a sporting community goes far beyond the physical activities. It lays the foundation for a lifetime of benefits, from improved health and fitness to building extensive networks and fostering strong mental health. I would be very interested to see a long term cost analysis of providing and maintaining community sporting facilities against the long term savings on our medical system and criminal justice system. I understand that Basketball is one of the fastest growing sports in WA and is also an inclusive sport. In this way, I recognize the significance of community facilities in contributing to shaping well-rounded individuals and fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness in our communities. Investing in these spaces means investing in the future of our society.

 Wheelchair #Rugby……on Grass? In February 2024, before the 6 Nations match between Scotland and England, the very first Wheelchair Rugby game to be played on grass will be played at Murrayfield. In the world of #sports, inclusivity knows no bounds, and being able to play wheelchair rugby on grass is no exception. Would you like to join the ThirdEYE International Sports Consultancy in paving the way for adaptive sport development? Here's why your #business should consider sponsoring an adaptive rugby wheelchair….  Changing Lives  Accessible sports like wheelchair rugby offer individuals with mobility challenges an #opportunity to experience the thrill of competition and camaraderie.  Fostering #Inclusivity By sponsoring adaptive wheelchairs, businesses contribute to creating an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of ability, can participate in sports.  Supporting Dreams  These wheelchairs become a tool for aspiring athletes to chase their rugby dreams, building confidence, and opening doors to new opportunities.  Building Brand Values  Sponsoring adaptive sports aligns businesses with values of inclusivity, social responsibility, and community engagement, enhancing their brand reputation.  Be a Game-Changer Your sponsorship can be a game-changer for athletes who dream of making their mark in the world of rugby on grass.   If your business is passionate about making a difference, consider sponsoring an adaptive wheelchair and be part of this transformative journey! Contact me here on LinkedIn for details. David Johnson-Rayner Richard Weston Rugby Canada Rugby Quebec Rugby Ontario

🏉 Day 7: Classification and Preparation 🏉 Hello! Day seven marked a pivotal moment in our journey as we navigated through crucial processes and preparations ahead of the Paralympic qualifier tournament. Yesterday, four of our players underwent the classification process—Maia Marshall-Amai, Jacinta Richardson, Ian Simpson, and Mike Todd. Classification is fundamental in Para sports, determining eligibility and grouping athletes based on the impact of their impairment on their ability to compete. In wheelchair rugby, this involves assigning players a point value based on functional mobility, ensuring parity in athletic ability on the court. It was an hour-long process, resulting in Jacinta's international classification, a significant milestone in her career, while the others await confirmation pending court observation. Following lunch, we convened for the manager's meeting—an essential step in the competition, where all managers and officials gathered to finalise crucial details. Exciting news emerged regarding hydration, with our players now permitted to consume electrolytes in the green room at New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport—a significant development in ensuring optimal performance on the court. Later in the afternoon, a pivotal video session saw us meticulously studying our first opponent, the Netherlands, in preparation for tomorrow's game. This was followed by our final training session—the captain's run—an opportunity to fine-tune strategies and rehearse our haka, infusing us with a sense of unity and purpose. Chaperons from Drug Free Sport New Zealand were present to conduct player tests, underscoring our commitment to fair play and integrity. As evening descended, we gathered for a nourishing dinner before retiring for the night, nerves and anticipation swirling as we braced ourselves for the tip-off of the Paralympic qualifier tournament tomorrow. As I reflect on the day's events, a mixture of nerves and excitement fills the air, reminding us of the significance of the journey we're embarking upon. Stay tuned for updates as we enter this crucial phase of competition with determination and resolve. Sport New Zealand #Classification #Preparation #ParalympicQualifier #RoadToVictory #Day7

Winning a rugby trophy from the competitors 2024. How'd we do it? Firstly, over a year ago we had to absorb the disgrace of losing to a better prepared Western Titans team in Nadi. We hadn't prepared at all. I took a reality check as I had taken this trophy for granted because we won it every year. We won mixed volleyball and netball. But let go off our cherished familiar touch rugby trophy. Now, the question was how were we going to get it back. [STRATEGY] Secondly, this year, I had to be reminding members of the team, both existing, ex and potential that the time clock was ticking. There was no particular order of preps. No schedule. I get it. I wasn't a member of the Fiji Law Society but I have friends in the council. After COVID19 struck I hadn't renewed my membership. As a non-member I was paying more to be registered. Also, players most likely were talking behind the scenes as to my current work status, and other incidental matters. Third, we had to put in the action as we were two weeks down away from the games [IMPLEMENTATION]. I had to not only visit people in their offices, urging them, reminding them, pleading as well. A few phone calls later. The weather in Suva (including Nasinu, Nausori and Lami) was either pouring heavy rain or drizzling. It didn't help our morale at all. I seem to be the only one eager to turn up to training. Others had their reason for not attending. Lastly, Saturday 1st June on the grounds in Nadi, it was dry and cool. I had to scheme quickly. How we were going to do this. I figured, we were heavily depending on our experience, cohesion, fitness (for me, been training for 3 months) and open communication. I argued a bit with senior players and it got heated. The younger players were eager and following our lead. I had to step up or watch helplessly. We've been doing this for about 8 years together. But in my wisdom I had to let the "heat" slide. The team matters. Let's face it, I have a reputation of being a bad loser. Only because I prepare, prepare and prepare. I have an almost stubborn passion for it. Especially if I believe in it. Waking up the game competitiveness in my team. And losing hurts. We needed it. It compensated. Try after try we made. The other team scored tries as well. As our team confidence and cohesion kicked in we ran in more tries. I knew that I had done it. I knew that I had tapped into that x-factor level (conscience and subconscious) that Fijian athletes are known for but rarely employ. I took a breather. By the time the final whistle was blown, we had lost count of the score. In the end we came out victorious. We had regained the lost Touch Rugby trophy and it was going with us to the East and staying there for a year. Congratulations to the Western Titans for winning each and every sport (netball, volleyball, tennis, soccer, squash, beer pong, etc.) except for the sport that was led by me. So until next year, let's enjoy. Coz' I did! A lot to learn. Yes, we managed to do it.

Local Sporting Champions grant available for competitors aged 12-18: Local Sporting Champions (LSC) is an Australian Government initiative designed to provide financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 who are participating in state, national or international competitions. The LSC program commenced in November 2008 and has supported over 75,000 junior sportspeople to achieve their sporting goals. The Australian Government recognises that junior sportspeople, and their families, find it difficult to meet ongoing costs associated with participating in state, national and international sporting championships. The LSC program aims to support these junior sportspeople to participate at various sporting championships, which they may not be able to without this financial assistance. The objectives of the LSC program are to: * Provide financial support to junior sportspeople to assist with the costs associated with competing at elite or sub-elite level competition. * To provide financial support through this program to families so that financial considerations are not a barrier for junior sportspeople to continue participating in sport. If successful, applicants will receive between $500 and $750 towards the cost of attending their nominated championships. * Base Grant: $500 * Applicants travelling 800km - 1999km to their nominated championships: + $100 * Applicants travelling internationally or greater than 2,000km to their nominated championships: + $200 * Applicants residing in a rural electorate: + $50 Examples of expenses which are eligible include, but are not limited to: * competition registration/entry fees/levies * transport costs (e.g. airfares, petrol) * accommodation * transport and accommodation costs for parents/guardians can be accepted where the parent/guardian must attend the championship * uniform * sporting equipment This grant specifically in football is important with junior participation on the steep rise and the crucial foundation being set for the sport's sustainable future in the country. A common barrier for participation in football across this age group is financial issues and so this grant is extremely valuable for families who want their children aged 12-18 to enjoy playing football without it feeling like too much of a financial burden. Round 4 2023-24 Applications are now open and is eligible for competitions held between 1 January 2024 and 31 August 2024. The applications close: 11.59pm AEST on Tuesday 30 April 2024 To apply, click here: https://lnkd.in/gx3K3BrG The post Local Sporting Champions grant available for competitors aged 12-18 appeared first on Soccerscene. #Football #Soccer #FootballNews

🌟 Exciting News from Dallaglio RugbyWorks! 🏉 We are thrilled to share the remarkable outcomes from our 2022/23 Impact Report, underscoring the incredible strides made by our young people, dedicated staff, and supporters over the past academic year. Here are some key highlights: 👏 97% of young people enjoyed their sessions 💪 90% of our young people demonstrated either a good level or noticeable improvement in their physical fitness. 🧠 Beyond the physical benefits, our programme has contributed significantly to the mental resilience of our participants, with 83% reporting increased mental strength. 🌃 In a particularly noteworthy achievement, 100% of participants in our evening programme expressed greater enjoyment during these sessions compared to their usual evening activities. This positive shift is crucial, as evenings are identified as a vulnerable time when they might otherwise be susceptible to negative influences. 🎓 The ultimate measure of success – 87% of our young people were either in education, employment, or training at the age of 18. This speaks volumes about the long-term impact we are helping to achieve. These accomplishments wouldn't have been possible without the support of our incredible staff, partners, and the entire Dallaglio RugbyWorks community. Together, we are transforming the futures of these young people, instilling values that extend far beyond the rugby pitch. Please get in touch to find out how you could help us extend this impact even further for this academic year. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eHA6tJjQ

As we countdown to the start of the Rugby World Cup in France this weekend, lets reflect on what it takes to succeed at the elite level. We would like to wish the Australian Wallabies every success for the Tournament. Go Wallabies! Rugby, a sport that demands a unique blend of physical prowess and tactical acumen, is not for the faint-hearted. The journey to becoming a professional player is a long, often arduous one, beginning at the grassroots level where the fundamentals of the game are first instilled. For young players, the focus is on mastering basic skills like passing, catching, and tackling. But rugby isn't just about physical prowess. It's also about instilling values like teamwork, respect, and discipline - the very essence of the sport. As these players climb the ranks, the intensity of training ramps up. Specialisation in specific positions begins, each with its unique role and responsibilities. Advanced tactics and strategies are introduced, and the physical training becomes more rigorous. But here's a surprising fact: a professional rugby player runs an average of 7 kilometres per game, with forwards often covering more ground than backs! That's a testament to the physical demands of the sport. Reaching the professional level isn't the end of the journey - far from it. The learning never stops. Players continually work on improving their skills, studying their opponents, analysing their performances, and refining their techniques. One of the less talked about, but equally important aspects of player development, is the mental game. Rugby is as much a test of mental fortitude as it is of physical strength. The pressure to perform, the physical toll of the game, and the rollercoaster of competition can be mentally challenging. That's why mental conditioning is a crucial part of player development. Players are taught to handle pressure, stay focused, and maintain a positive mindset, even in the face of adversity. So, the next time you watch a rugby match, remember the journey these players have undertaken to entertain us with their skills. #Sportscover #sportsinsurance #insurance #insurancebroker #insuranceagent #injuryinsurance #injurycover

Some lovely videos in this montage - I’m a firm believer that instead of just telling people what’s required (via policies, frameworks, procedures and written messaging) we also need to show them and inspire them to make change. Videos, animations, music and montages can go a long way to get simple messaging across and effect behaviour change. Implementation has to be channeled via lots of different mediums if it’s really going to resonate - especially if you want it to reach down to grassroots level 🩵 As we move into the New Year a great question to ask is in terms of your strategic outcomes for 2024 - how are you communicating with your audience? And how effective is it? #sport #messaging #communication