Port Macquarie has long been one of our favourite accessible travel destinations. With wheelchair-friendly fishing spots, inclusive play spaces, Changing Places facilities, Sandcruiser rental, and more, they’ve always gone above and beyond to ensure everyone can enjoy their idyllic coastal city. Now, they’re hosting an inclusive fitness festival to promote diversity and inclusion in Australia’s national pastimes.
The inaugural AFT International Sports Fitness Festival (4-5 November) will be held at Panthers Port Macquarie. One of the festival’s key focus points is sports inclusion programs for people with disabilities. It’s a personal mission for Festival producer, Jasmine Low.
“Through my own lived experiences, I have found many sporting events were intimidating and not inclusive of vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children with autism, or persons with disabilities.”
In addition to headliners that challenge the status quo – like Port Macquarie’s own “Karate Kids On The Spectrum” programme – the Festival will be presented in a hybrid format to allow everyone to connect, whether they’re local or remote. The Malaysian Federation of the Deaf will have participants “walk virtually” along Port Macquarie’s famed coastal walk, making this a truly inclusive international event.
Most events at the AFT International Sports Fitness Festival are free with registration via their website.
