University of the Sunshine Coast Promotes Inclusion Through New Balance UBL Adaptive Sport Initiatives

Through the New Balance University Basketball League (UBL), University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is championing inclusion with its Adaptive Sport initiatives, developed in collaboration with UniSC Safer Communities. Launched this year, these programs aim to make university sport accessible to students of all abilities, giving them the chance to participate, connect, and feel part of the UniSC community.

The initiative brings a new approach to traditional games and competitions through adaptive formats that create safe and inclusive sporting experiences. Central to the program are signature basketball rounds, comprising of Inclusion Round, Indigenous Round, Pride Round, and R U OK? Round, each designed to celebrate diversity and promote wellbeing on and off the court.

These rounds reflect the university’s belief that sport is about more than competition, but a space where everyone belongs. The drive to introduce these initiatives came from listening to the needs of the UniSC students and wider community, with the goal of creating sporting experiences that are accessible and meaningful for all participants, fostering a culture of inclusion.

Reflecting on how the adaptive sport program came to life, UniSC Sport and Fitness Sports Engagement Coordinator, Aleisha Howey, said “When I stepped into this role, one of my key passions was ensuring that sport at UniSC is accessible and inclusive for everyone. I truly believe sport should be a place where all abilities feel welcome, supported, and celebrated. That vision drove the development of our adaptive sport initiatives.”

The university’s commitment to accessibility was showcased during Inclusion Round, when UniSC partnered with local community wheelchair sport club, the Suncoast Spinners, to bring adaptive sport to the centre of the action. During Semester 2 of this year, UniSC Sport and Fitness partnered with the Suncoast Spinners, a long-term user of the UniSC Arena, to explore ways of incorporating wheelchair sport into UBL games and social sport programs. Through this collaboration, the team connected with Riley Spicer, an NBL1 Sunshine Coast Phoenix player and Suncoast Spinners staff member.

Riley, who aspired to study design, found a new pathway through this partnership after engaging with the UBL by enrolling in UniSC’s Tertiary Pathway Program to complete a Bachelor of Design. He has since joined the UBL as a UniSC Mari player and became instrumental in shaping the Inclusion Round experience.

For the signature round, during the 2025 season UniSC hosted free wheelchair basketball games before UBL fixtures, drawing more than 30 students and staff to take part. The energy on court was electric, with participants, UBL players, and spectators embracing the challenge and fun of the adaptive format. The university also collaborated with the Suncoast Spinners and game-day MC to deliver interactive half-time wheelchair basketball activations.

Beyond game day, the collaboration continued with Riley facilitating weekly wheelchair basketball and rugby sessions, held every Wednesday from 12-1pm and open to all UniSC students and staff. These sessions, averaging around 10 participants each week, created an ongoing opportunity for partakers to engage in adaptive sport, learn new skills, and build confidence in an inclusive and supportive setting.

On why fostering inclusion through sport is fundamental to UniSC, Ms Howey explained that the university sees sport as more than just competition, but a platform for connection, wellbeing and empowerment, ensuring every individual, regardless of ability or background, feels seen, valued, and supported. “These initiatives not only enhance the student experience but also reflect UniSC’s broader commitment to equality, community engagement, and creating a culture where diversity thrives” she added.

As UniSC continues to embed inclusion across its sporting programs, the university sees this as just the beginning of its inclusive sport journey. “I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved so far, and even more excited about what’s to come” Ms Howey said upon reflection of the program’s progression.

UniSC’s adaptive sport initiatives exemplify UniSport’s commitment to fostering inclusion and diversity within our sporting leagues and events, providing a safe, fair, and welcoming environment for all participants.

With the success of initiatives like Inclusion Round and ongoing adaptive sport programs, UniSC continues to demonstrate that university sport can be both competitive and inclusive. By creating opportunities for students of all abilities to participate, they are fostering a culture of belonging and wellbeing across campus. As these programs grow, UniSC looks forward to inspiring more students to get involved and continuing to champion inclusive, adaptive sport.

Photo Credit: University of the Sunshine Coast