65 sports represented at ASC’s annual Participation Leaders Conference

More than 120 participants from national sporting organisations (NSOs), national sporting organisations for people with disability (NSODs) and state and territory agencies of sport and recreation gathered last week for the Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) annual Participation Leaders Conference.

Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre alongside the National Sports Convention, the gathering was the first time NSO and NSOD Participation Leads have come together since the launch of Play Well, Australia’s first National Sport Participation Strategy.

With representation from more than 65 sports, the two-day conference commenced with a keynote address from Paralympian and lawyer Annabelle Williams who ran a masterclass on empowering a growth mindset through grit and determination.

Members of the Play Well Leadership Group and sporting organisations also discussed how the Play Well Strategy is progressing six months on, and the role of participation planning.

National Lead of Sport Development at Squash Australia Shaun McEachin, who is also involved in the Play Well Strategy as a project squad member, said the conference was the best one he’s attended yet.

McEachin advised “it provided us with key takeaways that we can use immediately to improve our skills and perform our roles.”

Swimming Australia General Manager Participation, Matthew Simpson added “I love attending these conferences as it provides the opportunity to learn from experts and connect with our fellow sports in a really proactive environment.

“It is really empowering to be part of the journey as we strive to improve participation in Australia.”

Other topics covered included data strategies, behavioural insights, participation strategy development, storytelling and a First Nations yarning session.

Image: Attendees at the Australian Sports Commission's 2024 Participation Leaders Conference. Credit: Australian Sports Commission.