Kiteboarding and wheelchair rugby gain NSO recognition

03 July 2023

Kiteboarding and wheelchair rugby are the latest sports to be recognised as national sporting organisations (NSOs) by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC).

Wheelchair rugby and kiteboarding are now recognised NSOs. Photographer: Stephen Tremain

Recognised NSOs and national sporting organisations for people with disability (NSODs) are organisations that the ASC supports to achieve the Australian Government’s sporting objectives and can access a range of benefits including support, education and funding opportunities from the ASC.

Kiteboarding and wheelchair rugby join more than 90 organisations considered as the pre-eminent body for the development of their sport in Australia.

Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said it’s a significant step for kiteboarding and Wheelchair Rugby Australia (WRA).

“We’re delighted to officially welcome kiteboarding and WRA as our newest NSOs. I congratulate them for the work they have done to fulfil ASC’s requirements for recognition,” Mr Perkins said.

“Recognising sports like kiteboarding and WRA is important to the ASC as we strive to have every Australian seeing a place for themselves in sport.”

WRA had previously operated as a separate business division of Disability Sport Australia and became its own independent organisation in August last year.

WRA CEO Chris Nay said the positive impact that the recognition will have on wheelchair rugby cannot be understated.

“To have our own dedicated, independent entity recognised by the ASC is historic in many ways for our sport and, was a necessary step in our progression toward a best-practice governance model,” he said.

“We are incredibly proud to be a formalised part of the Australian sporting community through recognition with the ASC.”

Kiteboarder Eugene Du Plessis. Photographer: Fabio Silvestre

Kiteboarding Australia President Rhys Higham said the ASC’s support will significantly contribute to the development of the sport.

“Our purpose at Kiteboarding Australia is to provide a leading voice representing kiters' and wingers' interests in Australia,” he said.

“We aim to inspire and facilitate participation and growth of the sport by creating programs that promote the safe progression and enjoyment for all our members, regardless of the disciplines they engage in and their level of riding.

“We are thrilled to receive the support of the ASC and look forward to working closely with them to take kiteboarding and wing foiling in Australia to the next stage of its development.”