SportWest and its flagship initiative, True Sport, have reaffirmed their commitment to enriching the sporting experience for all Western Australians by aligning with the national Play Well Strategy, during a dynamic workshop held in Perth this September.
The workshop, part of a nationwide series led by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), brought together over 150 stakeholders from across the sport participation system. It marked a significant step in implementing the Play Well Strategy, Australia’s first co-designed National Sport Participation Strategy, which aims to create inclusive, affordable, and lifelong sporting opportunities for all Australians.
True Sport, developed by SportWest, complements the Play Well Strategy by promoting a cohesive, values-driven approach to sport delivery across WA. With a focus on mental health and wellbeing, child safeguarding, and sideline behaviour, True Sport provides sector-specific training and resources to help clubs and organisations foster positive sporting environments.
In a significant development, Troy Kirkham, CEO and Jasmine Cappellucci, True Sport Manager were recently selected to represent SportWest on the National Play Well Project Squads. These squads will help deliver the 34 priority activities identified in the Play Well Strategy, including initiatives around physical literacy, affordability, and inclusive participation.
SportWest CEO, Troy Kirkham emphasised the synergy between the two initiatives:
“True Sport is about being your best – for everyone and every sport. The Play Well Strategy gives us a national framework, and True Sport brings it to life locally by embedding values and culture into everyday sport delivery.”
The Perth workshop facilitated open dialogue among sport administrators, including representatives from over 30 sporting organisations who discussed challenges such as rule modifications, affordability, and engaging older demographics in sport. Attendees also explored the Play Well Implementation Plan, which includes developing a Physical Literacy Action Plan and strategies to make community sport more accessible.
Mia Buswell from Water Polo WA added:
“Sport has a responsibility to the broader community. We know the benefits it brings to those already involved, and there are so many more who deserve that opportunity.”
The Western Australian event was hosted in partnership with the WA Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, which has been instrumental in supporting both Play Well and True Sport initiatives.
Workshops continue across Australia through October, with online sessions scheduled for October 16 and 17 to ensure rural and remote communities can participate. Interested parties can register by contacting playwell@ausport.gov.au.
Photo Credit: Australian Sports Commission
