Amy Tobin making sport a place where everyone belongs

For Amy Tobin, sport has always been about connection and achievement. “I started with shot put, club throw and played basketball socially, then went from wheelchair racing to frame running.” It gave me friends, confidence, and a sense that I could achieve something,” she recalls. Those achievements have been significant – representing Queensland in wheelchair basketball, competing at state and national athletics championships, and building a strong reputation as both an athlete and mentor.

Amy has coached juniors, advocated for disability inclusion, and even set up her own notfor-profit organisation to give young people with disability more opportunities to participate. “I wanted to create something that didn’t just get people in the door but kept them there — where they could play, learn, and feel like they belonged.”

Still, she knows inclusion doesn’t happen automatically. “I’ve turned up to places where the first question was, ‘Why are you here?’ That sticks with you. It makes you question whether you belong in that space.” These experiences fuel her determination to ensure others never feel that way.

“When people take the time to ask questions, to adapt, to encourage — that’s when sport becomes inclusive.”

Her proudest moments have been watching others thrive. “Seeing young people who thought they couldn’t do it get up and move and run and play and then seeing their faces light up — that’s what it’s about.” She highlights the role of coaches and volunteers. “When people take the time to ask questions, to adapt, to encourage — that’s when sport becomes inclusive.”

Amy is also a strong advocate for better data. “If you don’t collect the information, you don’t know who’s missing out. Data tells the truth about participation, and it helps us work out where the gaps are.”

Her challenge to sporting organisations is clear: “We don’t need special treatment — we just need opportunities to be part of the system like everyone else.”