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Let's Learn About...
The increase in accessible sport and recreation opportunities across Victoria means more people with disabilities are getting active! This is great news for the overall health and well-being of our community, but we want you to think outside the box.

In 2016–17 there were 1,111,347 visitors to the Victoria alpine resorts. Wintersports and Ice Sports can be adapted to suit a range of disabilities include blindness, deafness, amputations, para and quadriplegia, autism, and other forms of injury, illness, and cognitive defects that prevent people from skiing in the more traditional ways.

There are many sport and recreation opportunities available in our community that you may have never thought of trying. Snow and ice may not be at the top of your mind in February, but now is the time that providers across Victoria start preparing for the season ahead. So this month, let’s learn about Disabled Wintersports Australia and Ice Sports Victoria.

Love Sport? Let's learn about...Disabled Wintersport Australia and Ice Sports Victoria

Disabled Wintersport Australia

Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA), as they are now known, was established in 1978 as the Australian Disabled Skiers Federation. The organisation has assisted thousands of individuals with disabilities to participate in winter sports annually. DWA’s mission is “To promote and foster the advancement of participation by people with a disability in wintersport in Australia” and is the National Sporting Organisation (NSO) body responsible for adaptive winter sport in Australia.

DWA strive towards achieving their vision for “The equality of opportunity for people with disabilities to participate at all levels in the winter sport of their choice” by offering a membership model that facilitates sporting pathways at the social, active recreational, and elite level. Their services include support to plan activities, co-ordinating winter camps and accessible accommodation facilities, and providing volunteer guides and adaptive equipment.

Membership to the organisation entitles membership holders to concessions on lift passes and private lessons at all ski resorts in Australia. It also gives them access to an extensive range of adaptive ski equipment, discounted accessible accommodation, and a range of skill development, sport and recreational programs. Find your next wintersport on AAA Play.

Howman's Gap

Explore the new universal-design, accessible accommodation facility at Howman's Gap Alpine Centre at Falls Creek. This facility was completed in conjunction with Sport and Recreation Victoria and will be managed by YMCA Victoria, who are both proud supporters of DWA and its programs.

It will be available to all members as a communal accommodation, allowing our members access to the snow without having to compromise on their comfort. The facility boasts 34 beds organised into six rooms with bunk-beds and en-suite bathrooms.

The facility also boasts the only changing places bathroom above the snowline in Australia. This facility is available to the public and the Centre welcomes those that need it to come and visit as necessary.

Read more about the 2018 launch here

Adaptive Snowsports Guide Program

If you are an intermediate to advanced skier or rider who would like an added challenge on the slopes and have some time to volunteer, then DWA has a unique volunteer opportunity for you in our Adaptive Snowsports Guide Program.

Becoming a DWA volunteer adaptive snowsports guide is a unique experience and a great opportunity to meet lots of like-minded people. You can find out more about the role of an adaptive snowsports guide here.

Find out more about DWA's Adaptive Snowsports Guide Program
here.

Ice Sports Victoria

Welcome to the elegance of figure skating...the rush of speed skating...the action of ice hockey...the strategy of curling. Welcome to Ice Sports Victoria.

Ice Sports Victoria aims to make participation in ice sports accessible for all. They are the peak body that brings together the state sporting associations for Ice Hockey, Curling, Figure Skating, and Speed Skating. They believe in the social and health benefits of participation in Ice Sports, because Ice Sports are cool!

Ice Sports Victoria coordinates the Melbourne Sentinels Para Ice Hockey sessions suitable for all abilities. Para Ice Hockey started in Victoria in August 2017. Find out more here.

AAA Come and Try Ice Skating

Everyone can have a great time. Ice-skating can be a fun way to enjoy and keep active – but be sure to wrap up warm! 
  
Whether you have a manual or powered wheelchair, O’Brien Group Arena in Docklands is fully accessible to everyone. 
  
Why not join us? Details can be found here.

AAA Play and Ice Sports Victoria

Meet Ice Sports Victoria President, Pam Cavanagh in this video about her experience with AAA Play.

Ice Sports Victoria moves from strength to strength

Ice Sports Victoria were proud to celebrate the success of the Melbourne Ice Women's Team on Wednesday night at Marvel Stadium. President of Ice Sports Victoria, Pam Cavanagh said "It's wonderful to see the hard work of the players being recognised. Smaller sports are being noticed and it's allowing us to be in a position to offer more inclusive opportunities".

Ice Sports Victoria continues to demonstrate this inclusive attitude. Last year Ice Sports Victoria delivered the first ice session specifically adapted to support Autistic children to experience ice sports.


Read more here

Alpine Resorts Strategic Plan 2019 - responding to a changing climate

Victoria’s alpine resorts are special and unique places – visited by more than 1.2 million people per year and contributing over $945 million and 9,100 jobs to the Victorian economy in winter alone for 2017.

You can have your say and help to shape the future of our alpine regions by contributing to the preliminary consultation process.

Read more
here.
AAA Play is an initiative supported by the Victorian Government.

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