Mark Slade is a remarkable community coach with multiple sclerosis who coaches children with disability in Mildura, Victoria. Mark uses his inspiring life story to encourage children enrolled in the Australian Sports Commission’s Active After-school Communities (AASC) program, which runs twice a week as part of the Sunraysia Residential Services (SRS) Creative After School Care service. The AASC program is a national initiative that provides primary school-aged children with access to free sport and structured physical activities after school.

Mark was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1983 and was a wheelchair user until only a few years ago. Thanks to an intense rehabilitation program and his impressive determination, Mark is back on his feet and enthusiastically delivering modified multi-skill games to children with disability in the SRS after-school program.

‘I try to get them to take part in physical activity no matter what their ability,’ Mark says. ‘I deal with one to seven kids at a time and modify the games to best suit each individual. Once we get going they really enjoy it.’

Prior to the introduction of Mark and the AASC program, children attending the SRS after-school service mainly engaged in sedentary activities. But now, at least twice a week the children eagerly participate in physical activities, which can include juggling, running, jumping on a trampoline and kicking or passing balls.

‘[The children] have not only improved in their fitness levels but mentally as well, they are a lot healthier and happier now,’ says Mark.

‘Having a disability myself means that I can relate to these kids and their abilities. I know what limitations they have and I know how to modify sports to suit them so they get the most out of it.’

The AASC program has also proved very successful with SRS staff and children in their care stay active. SRS after-school service organiser Gifford Dennison is especially impressed with Mark’s sessions, and is grateful to the AASC program for creating many more after-school sport and recreation opportunities for children in Mildura.

SRS has exciting plans for the future of the Creative After School Care service and has nearly finished the construction of a pool, new playground and a covered area. Once complete, these facilities will assist Mark and SRS to provide even greater opportunities for children with disability to have fun being active.