Wheelchair rugby doesn’t happen without volunteers. From score bench crews and officials to team managers, classifiers, event staff and club volunteers, people right across the wheelchair rugby community give their time to help create opportunities for others to belong, compete and thrive in the sport.

As part of National Volunteer Week 2026 and this year’s “3 Cheers for Volunteers” celebration, Wheelchair Rugby Australia is recognising the people whose passion, commitment and community spirit continue to drive the sport forward at every level.

Whether they found their way into wheelchair rugby through family, friendship, competition or community, volunteers help shape experiences that extend far beyond game day.

Read on to learn more about some of the wheelchair rugby community and what volunteering means to them.

Elissa Booth, VIC
Damien Mortaud, QLD
Willeke Walsh, VIC
Charlea Reynolds, NSW
Alessia Zappala, NSW
Andy Phillips, SA

Elissa Booth

What first encouraged you to get involved in wheelchair rugby, and what has kept you coming back to volunteer your time?

I was introduced to wheelchair rugby when I was watching the Paralympic Games during Covid. I was amazed by the fast pace, strategy and fierce competition of the athletes. I was instantly hooked.

I started following Wheelchair Ruby Australia (WRA) on social media and when I saw a post inviting expressions of interest for volunteers for the 2025 Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge, I immediately fired off an email. Originally, I applied to be a general volunteer – to take tickets, sell t-shirts, whatever was needed. WRA contacted me to ask if I’d be interested in being a Team Liaison Officer (TLO) for one of the competing teams.

I’ll be honest, I was a bit nervous at first because I didn’t know a lot of the technical rules, equipment and aspects of the sport at that time… I just knew I wanted to help in some way and watch the competition. I’ve now been a TLO volunteer for both the 2025 and 2026 World Challenge competitions, and it’s been one of the highlights of my year, both years.

It’s hard to put into words why I’ve enjoyed being a Team Liaison Officer (TLO) for the World Challenge, but perhaps it’s best summed up as, ‘I love the passion of the sport.’ I love the game, I love supporting the teams in whatever small ways possible to make their experience easier so they can focus on competing, I love getting to meet some of the team members and hear their stories, and I love sharing my love of the sport with my family and friends in hopes of continuing to build followership for the sport. I truly do believe WRA’s slogan, “It’s Australia’s favourite sport – they just don’t know it yet!”

I’m glad I know it!

What does being part of the wheelchair rugby community mean to you personally?

I love the passion of the sport and being a part in some small way of the community that generates it, from the fierce competition from the athletes and teams on the court, the amped-up supporters cheering from the sidelines, and to the group of people sharing their passion for the sport with others. I also appreciate that wheelchair rugby is a mixed-gender sport, and we have such powerful women as well as men on the court representing Australia.

Can you share a moment, memory or experience through volunteering with the sport that has really stayed with you?

I really enjoyed being a TLO at the 2026 World Challenge, supporting Team USA. I’m a dual-citizen of both Australia and the USA and USA immediately embraced myself and the other TLO, and we were instantly sharing stories about the US and their flight to Australia, sharing Hilltop Hoods tracks that might be good for their practice playlist and teaching them how to do a Tim Tam Slam with their gifted Tim Tams.

What do you think makes volunteering in wheelchair rugby so special or rewarding?

It’s undoubtably the people in wheelchair rugby that make volunteering so special. The players are passionate competitive athletes, the families and friends that surround them are uplifting and the staff who make it all happen do it for a shared love of the sport.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering in sport for the first time?

Just show up, be brave and say hello to whomever is standing next to you, and ask ‘is there anything I can do to help out?’ It's that easy.

Damien Mortaud

What first encouraged you to get involved in the juniors program in wheelchair rugby?

I started volunteering as a coach for wheelchair rugby around 2021. I got asked to help with the program on the Sunny Coast with Suncoast Spinners. I was a bit nervous at first but really grew to love getting people in a rugby chair and helping them find a new passion outside of their disability.

What does being part of the wheelchair rugby community mean to you?

I have had the pleasure of teaching a lot of kids over the years, in schools and at our regular social program. It's been incredible being able to create a bit of a community around rugby here on the Coast. I love turning up to the social program and seeing how many people come out each week purely for the love of the sport.

Can you share a moment, memory or experience through volunteering with the sport’s juniors program that has stayed with you?

My best moment as a volunteer would be playing a tournament with 2 of the juniors from the Sunny Coast with one of them earning a spot on the Aussie development team and the other playing in his first ever tournament. It was awesome to be able to introduce them to the sport then go on to mentor them as they succeed.

What do you think makes volunteering in wheelchair rugby so special or rewarding?

Volunteering is really rewarding especially with rugby, because you help kids who never got to play team sports with their school mates and get them on an equal playing field.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering in sport for the first time?

If you get the opportunity to volunteer, just jump in. It is daunting and you wonder how you are going to be able to help but just being there and giving up your time is more than people want.

Willeke Walsh

What first encouraged you to get involved in wheelchair rugby, and what has kept you coming back to volunteer your time?

I got involved in wheelchair rugby through my son. He is an avid sports enthusiast and has played several different wheelchair sports. When he found wheelchair rugby, he loved it. Volunteering to help just evolved from being there with him.

I continue to be involved because of the fabulous Wheelchair Rugby Victoria community and my son. I want there to be a sport that he enjoys playing and competing in and to be a part of this community. I would like the sport to grow and thrive so that it can be a great place and community for all these amazing athletes and fabulous people to come together.

For many players this is more than participating in sport. For others, this is a unique place to fully participate in a competitive sport, in a fantastic game. And for others again it's an opportunity to compete in wheelchair rugby at the highest level, representing your country.

What does being part of the Wheelchair Rugby Victoria community mean to you personally?

The Wheelchair Rugby Victoria community is great. It is a fun and really supportive group and a pleasure to be part of. It is fantastic to see the athletes train and play this great sport and to be able to help to enable that to happen. Just as important is the social aspect, laughing and enjoying time with wonderful people. Sharing experiences, supporting each other and learning sport and life skills from each other is special.

Can you share a moment, memory or experience through volunteering with the sport that has really stayed with you?

The inaugural World Challenge, held together in Adelaide last year with our National Championships was amazing to be part of. The Steelers are incredible. It was really special seeing our Victorian players representing Australia live and at home in Australia. The quality of the games at all levels were incredible and the atmosphere electric. It was amazing to have all the athletes and team members from all the different levels of our sport at the same event, all supporting each other. It was and continues to be an inspirational event.

What do you think makes volunteering in wheelchair rugby so special or rewarding?

For me it's the people, the community and the sport. It is a highly skilful and tactical game which is so much fun to watch and be a part of. It's fantastic to see the determination and joy on the athletes faces and the enjoyment it brings to them and all those supporting them.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering in sport for the first time?

Do it! Sport is great for health and wellbeing. It has the capacity to bring together people with all different skills, abilities and aspirations to work towards a common goal. There is something for everyone and the benefits are far beyond just what you see on the court.

Charlea Reynolds

What first encouraged you to get involved in wheelchair rugby?
I’ve always wanted to work within the sports industry, and I felt wheelchair rugby had such a strong sense of community behind it. As a Para sport, I also knew there would be so much to learn, opportunities and new experiences that would broaden my understanding of the industry.

What does being part of the wheelchair rugby community mean to you?
Being part of the wheelchair rugby community means being surrounded by supportive, inspiring and passionate people. It’s a community that genuinely makes everyone feel welcomed and creates an environment where you can learn, grow and build meaningful connections.

Can you share a moment, memory or experience through volunteering with the sport that has stayed with you?
One experience that has really stayed with me was seeing the athletes, especially kids, discover the sport and give it their all. Watching them build confidence, push themselves and embrace the opportunities the sport provides, regardless of any challenges they may face was incredibly inspiring.

What do you think makes volunteering in wheelchair rugby so special or rewarding?
Volunteering in wheelchair rugby feels like becoming part of a family. You’re surrounded by inspiring athletes and supportive staff who are always willing to help and encourage you. It’s rewarding because you learn so much, not only about the sport itself, but also about resilience, teamwork and the people around you.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering in sport for the first time?
I’d say go for it, it’s an experience you won’t regret. Volunteering in sport gives you the chance to meet like-minded people, learn valuable skills, gain industry experience and be inspired by the people around you.

Alessia Zappala

What first encouraged you to get involved in wheelchair rugby?

Wheelchair rugby is an incredibly exciting and intense sport, and I knew that working alongside such talented professionals within a high-level sporting environment would be an amazing opportunity, and I was absolutely right!

What does being part of the wheelchair rugby community mean to you?

One of the things I love most about wheelchair rugby is the strong sense of community within the sport. Everyone – from the athletes to the staff – is so welcoming and supportive, and being part of such a positive environment is truly special.

Can you share a moment, memory or experience through volunteering with the sport that has stayed with you?

Meeting so many talented people has been an incredible experience. One of the highlights of my internship was definitely having the opportunity to play wheelchair rugby with athletes from Invictus Australia at the 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge. Everyone was so welcoming, and it was such a memorable experience being able to play alongside athletes and the former Governor-General David Hurley. There were many laughs and unforgettable memories shared throughout the event.

What do you think makes volunteering in wheelchair rugby so special or rewarding?

What makes volunteering in wheelchair rugby truly special is the incredible sense of community. There is such a strong bond between everyone involved, which makes the experience even more enjoyable and rewarding. On top of that, the sport itself is so exciting and energetic to watch, which is definitely an added bonus!

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering in sport for the first time?

Do it! You genuinely won’t regret it. Working alongside Wheelchair Rugby Australia has been an absolute highlight of my journey as an aspiring sports media student. I had the best time and learned so many valuable skills along the way. It truly was one of the best opportunities I could have taken.

Andy Phillips

What first encouraged you to get involved in wheelchair rugby, and what has kept you coming back to volunteer your time?

I first went to watch a game after seeing it on the Paralympics TV coverage and found an amazing community.

What does being part of the Wheelchair Rugby SA community mean to you personally?

It keeps me grounded.

Can you share a moment, memory or experience through volunteering with the sport that has really stayed with you?

Watching someone achieve knowing I've been part of the journey.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering in sport for the first time?

Just jump in.

Interested in volunteering with wheelchair rugby? Head to our Volunteers page for more information.

Three cheers for the people behind the whistle, wheels and warm welcomes

Elissa Booth

Damien Mortaud

Willeke Walsh

Charlea Reynolds

Alessia Zappala

Andy Phillips