Ella Sabljak is a shining example of how sport can drive change, unite communities, and inspire future generations. As an accomplished wheelchair basketball athlete, advocate, and leader, Ella has spent her life redefining what it means to be a role model—both on and off the court.
A Passion for Sport from a Young Age
Ella was born with a limb difference, a challenge she turned into a strength. Growing up on the Gold Coast, her love for sport began early and never faded. While many pathways weren’t always accessible, Ella forged her own, proving that passion, perseverance, and purpose are powerful allies. Her competitive spirit led her to the sport of wheelchair basketball, where she discovered not just a team, but a community and platform for change.
Rising to Represent Australia
Her dedication and talent saw her rise quickly through the ranks of wheelchair basketball. In 2019, Ella proudly represented Australia at the Asia Oceania Championships—an achievement that not only marked a career highlight but also showcased her determination to compete at the highest level. Her presence on the international stage was more than athletic; it was symbolic of progress, representation, and the growing opportunities for para-athletes in Australia.
Driving Change Beyond the Game
But Ella’s influence doesn’t stop with sport. With a deep commitment to creating inclusive and accessible environments, she has become a leading advocate in the push to improve conditions for athletes with disabilities. Ella’s voice has helped shape inclusive policies and programs at both grassroots and elite levels. Her goal is simple but powerful: ensure every person, regardless of their ability, has the opportunity to participate, belong, and thrive in sport.
Ella currently sits on several boards and advisory panels, lending her experience and insight to major initiatives that are changing the face of Australian sport. Her work continues to influence the development of more inclusive sporting systems, breaking down barriers and challenging outdated norms.
A Legacy for Brisbane 2032 and Beyond
As Brisbane prepares to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Ella is playing a key role in shaping what the future of sport looks like in Australia. Her focus is on ensuring these Games leave a lasting legacy—one that elevates para-athletes, promotes accessibility, and inspires systemic change across all levels of sport.
Ella sees Brisbane 2032 not just as a global event, but as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a truly inclusive Games that reflects the diversity and spirit of modern Australia. Through her leadership, she is helping to ensure that athletes and para-athletes alike are given equal opportunities to shine.
A Role Model for the Next Generation
Whether she’s mentoring young athletes, influencing policy, or sharing her story in the media, Ella Sabljak continues to inspire. Her journey is one of courage, conviction, and compassion. She reminds us that inclusion is not a side project—it’s a necessity. And that true sporting greatness isn’t just measured in medals, but in the lives changed and voices empowered along the way.
As the nation looks toward the Brisbane 2032 Games, Ella Sabljak stands as a powerful force helping to shape a more inclusive future for all Australians.