Dr. Jessica Hill, a paediatric occupational therapist from The University of Queensland, is embarking on a remarkable journey to raise awareness for para-athletes by running 50 kilometres each day for 50 consecutive days. This challenge, dubbed the 50x50x50 Challenge, aims to raise $50,000 for the Para START program, which focuses on improving sports participation for individuals with severe disabilities.
Growing up with four autistic siblings, including two with high-support needs, Dr. Hill understands the struggles young athletes with disabilities encounter. She recalls witnessing her brother’s frustration as he attempted to advance in Taekwondo without success, and her siblings sitting on the sidelines during soccer matches. “It’s been difficult watching the challenges they’ve experienced trying to access mainstream sport,” Dr. Hill stated.
The Para START program, initiated in 2017, began with three young individuals who had severe cerebral palsy. The program exclusively focused on competitive swimming. Over the past eight years, it has maintained all original participants and expanded to include track and field events, now serving 47 athletes with various disabilities, including cerebral palsy and spinal injuries. Dr. Hill describes the program as groundbreaking, noting that it is the first scientific study to demonstrate that participation in competitive swimming can enhance gross motor function for adolescents with severe disabilities.
Dr. Hill emphasizes the cultural significance of sport in Australia, highlighting that participation can be beneficial for everyone. Yet, she notes that opportunities for those with disabilities, particularly those with high-support needs, are often overlooked. “Grassroots sport isn’t always easy for people with disabilities,” she explained. “For many, it can have just as much impact on their health and wellbeing as one-on-one therapy.”
With the Australian Federal Government aiming to increase sports participation among individuals with disabilities to half a million by the 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games in Brisbane, Dr. Hill is determined to create supportive environments for aspiring para-athletes. Currently, out of Australia’s 5.5 million people with disabilities, over 400,000 require significant support. “For our athletes with high-support needs, even attending training can be a challenge,” she remarked.
In preparation for her challenge, Dr. Hill has been focusing on weight training and running up to 140 kilometres per week. This is not her first attempt at inspiring change through physical endurance. Her running journey began in preschool, drawn to the sport by its accessibility. “I loved running because it didn’t require expensive equipment or team participation,” she shared.
Dr. Hill has previously completed various demanding races, including the 100km Noosa Ultra-Trail and the Brisbane Marathon. “If you can get a pair of running shoes and find a safe space to run, you can engage with running,” she noted.
The 50x50x50 Challenge will commence at the UQ Sport Athletics Centre Track in Brisbane on November 1. Through this ambitious effort, Dr. Hill aims not only to fundraise for sporting equipment but also to shine a light on the dedication and resilience of para-athletes striving to access sporting opportunities.
“I want to ensure that those 400,000 individuals aren’t overlooked in our pursuit of inclusivity in sports,” Dr. Hill stated, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by athletes with disabilities. Her commitment to raising awareness and fostering inclusive environments sets a powerful example in the realm of sports.
