From first-time participants discovering the joy of Para sport to Paralympians competing on the national stage, a unique partnership between the Sargood Foundation and the Manly Wheel Eagles is changing lives right here on the Northern Beaches.
Best known for Sargood on Collaroy, the world-first accessible accommodation and support facility for people living with spinal cord injury, the Sargood Foundation is an innovative leader in creating opportunities for people to reconnect with community, travel and recreation. Through peer support, community connection and life-changing opportunities, the Foundation continues to empower people to rebuild confidence, regain independence and embrace life after injury.
But its impact extends far beyond the shores of Collaroy Beach. One of the Foundation’s most successful community partnerships is with the Manly Wheel Eagles, supporting a pathway that stretches from grassroots participation to Australia’s highest level of wheelchair basketball.
“Sport has an incredible ability to bring people together, build confidence and create a sense of belonging,” said Sargood Foundation CEO Greg Fisher.
“Our partnership with the Manly Wheel Eagles helps people make connections, stay active and discover opportunities they may never have thought possible.”
At the heart of the program is the Manly Wheel Eagles Social Hub, held every Wednesday from 4pm to 5.30pm at the Curl Curl Youth and Community Court. The free sessions are open to people who want to give wheelchair basketball a try, with sports wheelchairs provided free of charge.
For some, it’s a chance to get active, make friends and connect with others who share similar experiences. For others, it’s the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Just ask Saxon Carr.
“Everyone was supportive from day one,” Saxon said. “The Social Hub is about being active, having fun and connecting with others. It gave me the confidence to keep pushing myself.”
Since attending his first session, Saxon has progressed from grassroots participation to earning selection in the State Performance Program, representing New South Wales, and now taking the court for the Manly Wheel Eagles in Australia’s premier wheelchair basketball competition, the National Wheelchair Basketball League (NWBL).
According to four-time Paralympian Koen Jansens, Saxon’s story demonstrates exactly why the program matters.
“Every athlete starts somewhere,” Jansens said. “Our Social Hub gives people a place to belong, build confidence and develop skills. Some players simply want to stay active and connect with others. Others dream of representing their state or country. Seeing people achieve their goals is what it’s all about.”
As Naming Rights Sponsor of the Manly Wheel Eagles NWBL team, the Sargood Foundation is also helping bring some of Australia’s best wheelchair basketball talent to the Northern Beaches.
The Manly NWBL team features Paralympians, Australian representatives, international players and emerging stars competing in one of the fastest, most physical and exciting Para sports.
As Australia builds towards the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games, the partnership between the Sargood Foundation and the Manly Wheel Eagles is helping ensure the Northern Beaches remains at the forefront of inclusion, participation and Para sport excellence.
Now the club is calling on the community to get involved.
If you are or know someone living with a physical disability, come along to a Social Hub session and discover what wheelchair basketball can offer. And if you’re looking for a thrilling live sporting experience, get behind the Manly Wheel Eagles at their final NWBL home round at Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre:
- Friday 7th August at 8pm
- Saturday 8th August at 7:15pm
- Sunday 9th August at 9:45am
With Manly and Wollongong as the only two NSW teams competing in the nationwide competition, the rivalry is fierce. With finals positions on the line and some of Australia’s best athletes on court, spectators can expect a high intensity showcase of elite Para sport.
Fast, physical and packed with skill, wheelchair basketball is a sport best experienced in person. And thanks to the partnership between the Sargood Foundation and the Manly Wheel Eagles, it’s happening right here on the Northern Beaches.
The Northern Beaches has always punched well above its weight when it comes to community spirit and this partnership between the Sargood Foundation and the Manly Wheel Eagles is proving just how powerful local support can be.
More about Sargood
Learn all about the amazing work of the Sargood Foundation at Collaroy online at: sargoodfoundation.org.au
Get in touch with the Wheelies
Contact Manly Wheelchair Basketball Association via email info@manlywheelchairbasketball.com
And follow on socials @manly_wheel_eagles for all updates and game highlights.