Wayne Bird awarded Life Membership of Sport Inclusion Australia
By Sport Inclusion Australia
Sport Inclusion Australia President Wayne Bird has been awarded Life Membership of the International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) member organisation.
Bird becomes only the second person to receive the honour after organisation founder and initial President Marie T Little OAM in 2006. Bird took over the Presidency of Sport Inclusion Australia on Little’s retirement in 2011. Bird’s involvement commenced in 2006, when as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Basketball Victoria he attended his first meeting. So impressed by the movement, Bird welcomed the opportunity to join the board in 2007.
During his time as President, Bird has demonstrated incredible leadership and compassion.
A good listener, he has led Sport Inclusion Australia through major transformation. A new name, brand, significant governance changes, amalgamation with Vicsrapid and the inception of the National Inclusion Alliance have all been achieved under his tenure, while never deviating from the philosophy.
“Bird has led the organisation with integrity and distinction and apart from his list of accomplishments has not only increased the profile but also the professionalism of Sport Inclusion Australia,” Robyn Smith, CEO of Sport Inclusion Australia, said.
During his tenure Bird has also served as the Chairperson of World Intellectual Impairment Sport Oceania from 2013 to 2017.
Achievements
- President of Oceania on World Intellectual Impairment Sport Governing Board 2013 – 2017
- Representative of Finance Committee on World Intellectual Impairment Sport Governing Board 2013 – 2017
- Development of the National Sport Inclusion Alliance
- Support of New Zealand to join World Intellectual Impairment Sport
- Successful bid and hosting of the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport General Assembly
- Successful bid for the 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games
- Formation of the Global Games Sports Company
World Intellectual Impairment Sport represents more than 300,000 athletes with intellectual impairments around the world. We give elite athletes the chance to compete at an international level and on the Paralympic stage. But we cannot continue our work towards the inclusion of the people with intellectual impairments in society without your support.
We are a registered charity and your help can make a big difference. Find out more.
