EVENT: StandUP for Autism 2021

Active Connections organised and hosted a community event - ‘StandUP for Autism’. The inaugural Gold Coast Stand Up for Autism Day took place at Budds Beach on Sunday 7 November 2021. The event provided an opportunity for people within the Gold Coast autism community to connect with each other through standup paddleboarding (SUP). The event catered for all abilities and provided an avenue for people to try something different, and possibly develop an interest.

At Active Connections, we work with many people on the autism spectrum and know firsthand the benefits of regular exercise. Exercise can improve sleep, develop motor skills, supports learning and development, and reduces meltdowns and other behaviours of concern. People with disabilities are often at a higher risk of developing chronic health conditions, meaning an active lifestyle is key strategy in mitigating this risk. We chose SUP because it’s fun, it’s active, and it celebrates standing up and having a go no matter who you are or what your level of ability is.

Ms Helen Steinhardt, President of Autism Gold Coast said, ‘for our ASD families they need an activity to come together.’ She said ’it’s about being able to say to others, I’ve been in your shoes, I understand. I get when you have been and where you’re coming from’.

This event was a huge success with over 80 people participating. We also had great support from the Queensland Government and the SUP Community. Go Vertical did an awesome job running the SUP activities, and we received some generous donations from SUP World Magazine, Barz Optics and Speaqua.