Multiclass Lane 8

Fight4Balance (F4B) is a local, grass roots charity cofounded in 2019 by YPSC family, Steve & Amy Illidge, to fill a gap in wellbeing services for adolescent youth with mild-moderate functional and intellectual disabilities associated with conditions such as Cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Acquired Brian Injury, and other undiagnosed functional/intellectual disabilities F4B was born from the Illidge family’s own journey with their eldest son and YPSC member, Jacob, who is diagnosed with intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and autism. Yeronga Pool Leasee, Shelly, has been our charity’s Patron and close friend since its beginnings.

F4B is proud to announce an exciting new initiative that celebrates inclusion, community, and the spirit of competition. Beginning this season, LANE 8 will be dedicated as a Multiclass Racing Swim Lane on club nights—giving swimmers with disabilities from across Brisbane the opportunity to participate in regular race practice alongside YPSC members. This is not a learn-to-swim lane and open to all competitive multiclass swimmers across Brisbane with a mild-moderate disability. This initiative is the first of its kind for community swimming clubs in Australia and the result of a joint partnership between F4B, YPSC, and Yeronga Park Swimming Complex who are all committed to providing multiclass swimmers equal access to develop their racing skills and connect with their local community.

F4B was founded to improve the physical, emotional, and social independence of young people with disabilities aged 5-25yrs through adaptive and inclusive fitness and sport. By teaming up with Yeronga Park Swim Club, our ‘Multiclass LANE 8 Racing’ is creating a pathway for swimmers with disabilities to experience the same joy and challenge of competitive swimming as non-disabled swimmers.

LANE 8 will run every club night, allowing swimmers with a disability to:

• Gain valuable race practice experience in a supportive environment

• Build confidence and inclusion through shared participation

• Enjoy new social connections and a sense of belonging

Together, F4B, YPSC and Yeronga Pool are making waves – showing that inclusion strengthens our community, both in and out of the pool.

For more information about LANE 8 or to get involved as a volunteer, contact

Fight4Balance on hello@f4b.org.au or contact Yeronga Park Swim Club.

Let’s fill LANE 8 with energy, encouragement, and the joy of racing for all.

To learn more about F4B, our programs and events, visit:

https://www.fight4balance.org.au/

https://www.allstaracademy.org.au/

https://www.facebook.com/Fight4Balance/