Celebrating Inclusive Sports Training at Yarra Leisure

For just over 10 years, Inclusive Sports Training (IST) and Yarra Leisure have worked together to provide accessible sport and recreation opportunities for children and young adults with intellectual disability.

IST began in 2015 with a single weekly swimming session in one lane at Richmond Recreation Centre. What started as a small initiative has grown into a thriving program supporting more than 100 participants. Today, IST delivers weekly swim sessions, strength training, wet-weather programs and school holiday activities creating consistent, structured opportunities for athletes to develop skills and confidence.

Richmond Recreation Centre has become more than just a venue. It is the training home for IST athletes, where they are recognised and warmly welcomed by Yarra Leisure staff on a first-name basis. This sense of belonging has been central to the program’s success.

Building skills, confidence and independence

The impact of IST extends beyond physical fitness. Participants have developed water confidence, improved physical skills, formed lasting social connections and built independence. For some athletes, participation has opened doors to competitive pathways, supported and nurtured by IST’s coaching team.

Outstanding competitive achievements

IST athletes have achieved remarkable success at state, national and international levels:

• 12 IST athletes have competed at mainstream Age Group Triathlon World Championships

• 95% of Victoria’s Multiclass triathletes have progressed through IST pathways

• IST athletes have represented Australia at the World Triathlon Multisport Championships, VIRTUS World Championships and Para Athletics Track World Championships

• National and Oceania records have been achieved across athletics, cycling, triathlon, duathlon and swimming

• IST athletes were awarded three trophies in the 2025/26 2XU Triathlon Series (Para/Multiclass, Women’s and Medium Club categories), placing them among the most successful triathlon clubs in Victoria.

Standout achievements include fourth-place finish for IST athlete Annabelle Colman at the 2024 Paralympic Games and her bronze medal at the 2025 World Para Track Championships, and Cameron Marshall’s Age Group title at the 2025 Noosa Triathlon.

Giving back to the community

The success of IST isn't measured by medals alone. Many IST athletes now work as Aus Triathlon Foundation coaches in Yarra Leisure’s Friday school programs, helping younger children build water confidence and learn foundational triathlon skills. Their leadership demonstrates the full-circle impact of inclusive sport, where participants become mentors and role models for the next generation.

The long-standing partnership between IST and Yarra Leisure demonstrates accessible facilities, inclusive programming and strong community connection create meaningful opportunities for athletes to participate fully in sport and recreation.