A University of Queensland researcher and occupational therapist from Redcliffe is taking on a 50-day challenge to raise funds for a program that supports athletes with disabilities across Brisbane.
Inspiring Effort From A Redcliffe Researcher
Redcliffe occupational therapist and University of Queensland researcher Dr Jess Hill is leading a large-scale fundraising effort to increase access to sport for people with disabilities. In line with Occupational Therapy Week held from 27 to 31 October, she has committed to running 50 kilometres each day for 50 days to raise $50 000 for ParaSTART, a program developed at UQ to assist individuals with moderate-to-severe disabilities and high-support needs.
Building Opportunities For Inclusive Sport
ParaSTART began in 2017 with three participants who had severe cerebral palsy and had never taken part in swimming. The project has since expanded to include track and field activities, now engaging 47 athletes with conditions such as cerebral palsy, spinal injury, stroke and brain injury.
Dr Hill’s research focuses on how performance-based sports training can enhance health and wellbeing outcomes for people with high-support needs. The program has demonstrated improvements in motor function and participation.
50 Days, 50 Kilometres, $50 000 Goal
Starting 1 November, Dr Hill will run 50 kilometres each day for 50 consecutive days across Brisbane. Her 50×50×50 Challenge aims to raise $50 000 to purchase ten frame-running bicycles, enabling ParaSTART to include more children and adults with disabilities in sport.
The campaign, hosted by The University of Queensland through JustGiving, has already received early donations in support of the cause.
Overcoming Barriers In Disability Sport
Having grown up with four autistic siblings, two with high-support needs, Dr Hill has seen first-hand the barriers that people with disabilities face when trying to access mainstream sport. High equipment costs and limited opportunities to try different sports often restrict participation. Through ParaSTART, she hopes to provide early exposure to sport and encourage future Paralympic pathways.
Looking Ahead
As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, initiatives such as ParaSTART are helping increase disability sport participation across Queensland. Dr Hill’s work and connection to Redcliffe highlight how local professionals contribute to creating a more inclusive sporting environment.
Donations to the 50×50×50 Challenge can be made via UQ’s JustGiving page.
Published 31-Oct-2025
