Driving Social Inclusion through Sport and Physical Activity (DSISPA) – the Armidale newly arrived migrant, refugee and friends regional sport network

The 2020-21 DSISPA project led by Dr Kristy O'Neill and co-investigator Professor Pep Serow will deliver a free, flexible and community based opportunity for Armidale residents from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds to build their physical activity levels. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health ($224,677), the program aims to promote increased moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels and improve holistic health through building new friendships, social connections and capacity building towards independently accessing existing local sporting providers. Sport and physical activity are central aspects of Australian culture, particularly in regional areas as a primary means of social connection. It is important that our newest citizens from CALD backgrounds have the skills, knowledge and confidence to share in these activities as part of building a sense of belonging within the Armidale community. Overall, people from CALD backgrounds Australia-wide can be less likely to participate in local sport or meet recommended physical activity guidelines for several cultural, financial and/or linguistic reasons.