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National sport and physical activity participation

Australians Aged 18+ with Disability

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2018 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, there are an estimated 3.9 million people with disability aged 18+ in Australia, making up 21% of the 18 and over population. In almost seven years, we have interviewed around 27,700 Australians with disability in the AusPlay survey.

The following pages tell us more about how adults with disability in Australia participate in sport and physical activity and how, if at all, that has changed.

The graphs on this webpage use these symbols to highlight statistically significant changes in the last year:

  • Statistically significant increase since 2021–22
  • Statistically significant decrease since 2021–22
On this page:

Headline indicators



Participate in sport or physical activity 1+ per week

2022-23 67% [2,451,000]

Participate in sport-related activity 1+ per week

2022-23 24% [891,000]

Participate through a sports club or association 1+ per year

2022-23 12% [433,000]

Take on a non-playing role 1+ per year

2022-23 11% [409,000]

Top motivations in 2022–23



Physical health or fitness

2022-23 77%

Fun/enjoyment

2022-23 40%

Social reasons

2022-23 28%

Psychological/mental health/therapy

2022-23 26%

Physio/rehab/physical therapy/post op

2022-23 24%
Based on all participants (1+ per year).

Top barriers in 2022–23



Poor health or injury

2022-23 58%

Disability

2022-23 15%

Increasing age/too old

2022-23 11%

Not enough time/too many other commitments

2022-23 8%
Based on all non-participants.

All participation rates 2016–17 to 2022–23



Frequency of participation

Most popular sport-related activities 2022–23



Estimated number of participants
Males 18+ with disability
Swimming
229,000
Cycling
199,000
Running/athletics
152,000
Golf
114,000
Fishing
63,000
Football/soccer
58,000
Tennis
55,000
Weightlifting
48,000
Basketball
43,000
Females 18+ with disability
Swimming
344,000
Running/athletics
138,000
Cycling
111,000

Activities with estimates of less than 40,000 not shown.

Most popular non-sport-related activities 2022–23



Estimated number of participants
Males 18+ with disability
Walking (recreational)
707,000
Fitness/gym
524,000
Exergaming*
103,000
Bushwalking
83,000
Females 18+ with disability
Walking (recreational)
981,000
Fitness/gym
617,000
Bushwalking
156,000
Yoga
155,000
Pilates
143,000
Exergaming*
92,000
Dancing (recreational)
56,000

Activities with estimates of less than 40,000 not shown.

*Virtual/technology-based/gaming exercise, for example, motion sensing console games, smart treadmills, online platforms such as Zwift.

Further information

Any questions or requests for further information about AusPlay can be directed to the Insights team at the Australian Sports Commission.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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