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A new ACSD boss and greater Paralympic engagement

Mr Graham Pryke was President of the Australian Confederation of Sport for the Disabled until November 1986, when he was succeeded as President by Barbara Worley, who became executive president of the organisation. For a time, Worley was the most influential person in disability sport in Australia and was the first person with a disability appointed to the Board of the Australian Sports Commission.

From a humble beginning, the ACSD had grown to a membership of seven National Sports Organisations which provided sport and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities. They were:

  • Australian Wheelchair Sports Federation
  • Australian Deaf Sports Federation Limited
  • Australian Cerebral Palsy Association Inc
  • Amputee Sporting Association of Australia
  • Australian Blind Sports Federation
  • Australian Disabled Skiers Federation
  • Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia

It was managed by the President and Vice-President with the assistance of a part-time clerical assistant. Meetings were held on an irregular schedule and each member was entitled to send two representatives, one of whom had voting rights.

Under Graham Pryke, the ACSD developed widespread influence. However, records indicate that its relationships with NSODs and other bodies was not always positive.

Under Worley, the ACSD assumed responsibility for the 1988 Australian Paralympic Team. The Seoul Paralympic Organising Committee had said that it would only work with one organisation per country and in Australia that was the ACSD.

Mr Graham Pryke was succeeded as President of the ACSD by Barbara Worley, who became the most influential person in disability sport in Australia.

Date: November 1986

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