Sargood Foundation and Manly Wheel Eagles are putting the Northern Beaches on the National Stage

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.”