The Australian Government’s sports for development Team Up Program and partners have proudly commemorated International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), on 3 December 2025.
This year’s IDPD theme was “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress” and brought together athletes, partners, and community members to advance inclusion through sport.
The event highlighted the achievements of para-athletes and showcased how sport fosters dignity, equality, and participation across communities.
Key activities included, Screening of Stories of Change from the Sports for Good program, dedicated to National Para Athletes. Inclusive sports activities featuring Basketball for Good, NRL in PNG’s League Bilong Laif, Hockey’s Hook in4 Health, and the Inclusive Gym Bad program and advocacy campaigns amplifying the role of sport in advancing social progress.
National para-athlete and 2025 Oceania Badminton gold medalist, Regina Edwards, said: “Sport has given me a platform to show that disability is not inability. Today, we celebrate inclusion, and I am proud to stand with Team Up PNG program partners in proving that every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and the joy of participation.”
Through the support of the Australian Government, Team Up PNG continues to champion equality, inclusion, safety, and regional unity. The collaboration of diverse programs under Team Up reflects the power of sport to unite communities and foster disability inclusive societies.