Sporting Wheelies, an organisation based in Milton, is helping Queenslanders with disability discover the benefits of inclusive sport while calling attention to the barriers that continue to keep many Australians on the sidelines.
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While more than 5.5 million Australians live with disability, participation in sport remains low. Only 14 per cent of people with disability participate in sport-related activities each week, despite research showing that 75 per cent would like to take part. Accessibility challenges, financial barriers, transport difficulties and a lack of inclusive opportunities continue to prevent many people from getting involved.
For Brisbane resident Caleb Bull, finding Sporting Wheelies transformed not only his fitness but also his outlook on life. Born with Spina Bifida, Caleb spent much of his childhood believing organised sport simply was not for him.
“There was no one to look up to,” he says. “I didn’t really see sport as something that was for me.”
That changed in 2018 after Caleb fractured his femur due to overuse. During his rehabilitation, he was referred to Sporting Wheelies to help maintain his walking ability through exercise physiology.
What began as rehabilitation soon became a passion. “My exercise physiologist encouraged me to try para powerlifting, and I became addicted to working out. It’s shown me things that I didn’t know that I was capable of,” Caleb said.
Today, he trains up to five times a week and is preparing for his first official para powerlifting competitions later this year. His training has improved his physical strength and mobility while supporting his recovery following several major abdominal surgeries. It has also had a positive impact on his confidence, independence and mental health.
“If you told me five years ago that I would be lifting heavy weights and competing, I probably wouldn’t have believed you,” he said.
“Going to the gym has taught me the value of consistency and hard work, and I’ve carried that into every area of my life. It’s improved my physical and mental health enormously. Even on days when I don’t feel like training, I always leave feeling better.”
Caleb says the experience has also given him a strong sense of community. “You build friendships with people who understand your experiences and support your goals,” he says. “I see other people working hard toward their own goals and it inspires me. It’s made me realise I should always try my best and see what I’m capable of.”
Sporting Wheelies Chief Operating Officer Dane Cross says Caleb’s journey reflects what inclusive sport can achieve when people are given the opportunity to participate.
“For Queenslanders with disability, participating in sport simply isn’t accessible without the right support, equipment, and inclusive environments,” Mr Cross said.
“Yet the benefits go far beyond physical activity. Inclusive sport builds confidence, resilience, social connection, and independence. It gives people the opportunity to be part of a community and discover strengths they may never have realised they had.”
As demand for inclusive programs continues to grow, Sporting Wheelies is working to expand opportunities for Queenslanders seeking to improve their physical and mental wellbeing through movement and connection.
Mr Cross said Caleb’s story demonstrates the importance of ongoing community support.
“Caleb’s story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when barriers are removed and people are given the chance to participate,” he says. “With the right support, we can help more Queenslanders get off the sidelines and discover what they’re capable of – but we can’t do it alone.”
With the end of the financial year approaching, Sporting Wheelies is encouraging individuals and organisations to make a 100 per cent tax-deductible donation before 30 June 2026 to help expand inclusive sport, recreation and rehabilitation opportunities across Queensland.
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Mr Cross said every contribution helps Sporting Wheelies expand programs, equipment and community opportunities, supporting Queenslanders with disability to improve physical and mental wellbeing, build confidence, increase independence and connect with their community.
As Sporting Wheelies continues its work from its Milton headquarters, the organisation is seeking community support to help more Queenslanders with disability access inclusive sport and discover the benefits of participation.
Published 26-June-2026
