Ben Haack from athlete to advocate for inclusive sport

“I’ve played cricket, soccer, AFL, basketball, rugby league... and I’ve been with the Special Olympics for 25 years, both as an athlete and an advocate,” says Ben Haack. His career highlights are as varied as they are impressive — representing Australia in cricket in India, competing at World Games in football, and even playing in a celebrity match before the Argentina-Germany quarter final at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Ben’s sporting journey began with family encouragement. “My parents wanted me to be active, but also to overcome challenges with my coordination,” he says. Occupational therapy, persistence and a deep love for the game kept him going. “Once I started, I was hooked.”

Inclusion wasn’t automatic. “In my early days of mainstream cricket, the coach just wasn’t interested — told me to run laps and barely let me play. I was fielding for both teams some days.” Facing bullying in rugby league and being sidelined in school soccer, he nearly walked away. “Finding Special Olympics changed everything. It was a group that accepted me, understood me, and respected my challenges.”

“We need to make inclusion part of the system, not just a once-off moment.”

Today, Ben plays less but leads more — organising basketball, swimming, table tennis, and athletics events, and working to establish new competitions. His focus is making inclusion systemic, not just an “inspirational moment.” A strong believer in data, Ben says, “It gives you the facts — both good and bad — so you can identify gaps and show what works. It’s not just opinion; it’s a platform for action.”

As he looks ahead, Ben’s challenge to the sporting community is clear, “It’d be great to get the right people in the room and start really solving the problem. We need to make inclusion part of the system, not just a once-off moment.”