Emma Clarke

September 2023

Hoops Capital and What Ability, a leading National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, will unite to put happiness and inclusion at the forefront of both the men’s and women’s National Basketball Leagues. 

What Ability is an NDIS provider that utilises professional and semi-professional athletes as support workers to provide community based experiences for people living with a disability, including swimming, bush walks, beach days, going to sporting games and overnight camps. 

Together they are strengthening communities both on and off the court, championing inclusivity for all abilities, and advocating for increased awareness in the disability sector.

What Ability CEO, Jared Chapman said: “It is very exciting to partner with Hoops Capital who share our vision of building an inclusive world. Together we will harness the power of sport and its national impact, to unite and break down existing barriers in the sector. This is a big step forward in achieving our vision as we expand our reach across the country and different sporting codes.”

Hoops Capital co-owner and chairman Paul Smith echoed Chapman’s sentiments, saying his organisation were extremely excited about the new partnership.“Our partnership with What Ability is an exciting milestone for Hoops Capital, the Sydney Kings and Flames, as we endeavour to hero inclusivity,  diversity and raise awareness for the disability sector,” Smith said. 

“As a governing body, we hope to lead the charge for positive change in the space and champion inclusion as a key pillar of our sport.”

What Ability Founder Steve Dresler, is thrilled about the partnership, commenting on the synergies between the organisations, “To have Sydney Kings and Sydney Flames players on board with What Ability makes this partnership so special. Players like Shaun Bruce, Kiera Rowe and Emma Clarke have embraced our mission, vision and are very passionate about putting happiness first for our participants. We can’t wait to see what opportunities and awareness this partnership brings this year.”

What Ability provides extensive training to ensure support workers are capable, fit and confident in their role. Their training includes the following qualifications; Epilepsy Essentials, First Aid/CPR certificate, NDIS Orientation Module, NDIS Worker Check, Police Check, Water Rescue, Working with Children Check, two professional references, and where applicable, Safety Interventions, Medication administration training and Emergency Medication administration training.

To follow this partnership, check out What Ability (@whatability) and Hoops Capital (@hoopscapitaleast) on socials or if you’re looking for disability support, head to https://whatability.com.au/services/need-support/ to find out more.