Finding Confidence through Sport: Emmanuel Sevara’s Inclusive GymBad Journey

Papua New Guinean para-athlete Emmanuel Sevara has spoken about how inclusive sport can build confidence and strengthen self-esteem.

The shy young man first joined Papua New Guinea’s Inclusive GymBad program four years ago but now on the badminton court Emmanuel has confidence, purpose and pride. 

Emmanuel is a para-athlete from Gulf Province who grew up in Port Moresby. Living with both a physical and intellectual disability, he faced challenges with mobility, confidence and access to inclusive sporting opportunities. Sport was not always a space where he felt he belonged.

Before joining Inclusive GymBad, Emmanuel struggled with running and found it difficult to sustain long rally sessions during badminton training. 

Emmanuel was first introduced to badminton through Special Olympics Papua New Guinea and later joined the Inclusive GymBad program, supported through the Australian Government’s Team Up program. 

Inclusive GymBad brings together gymnastics-based movement and inclusive badminton to create safe, welcoming spaces where people with disabilities can participate, develop skills and build confidence.

Delivered in partnership with Interplast Australia and New Zealand, Inclusive GymBad also supports leadership development, peer-to-peer training and pathways into coaching, administration and decision-making roles — ensuring people with disabilities have a voice at every level.

Inclusive GymBad supported more than Emmanuel’s physical development. The program fostered mental resilience, emotional growth and a strong sense of belonging. 

“When I joined GymBad I felt welcome, and I’m happy to be accepted (as part of) the team. First when I joined GymBad, I was so slow. But now I think I’m fast. They also helped me to communicate with others and helped me to build myself up,” he said.

In 2023, Emmanuel proudly represented Papua New Guinea at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, and in 2025, he went on to compete in the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton Competition, continuing to grow through international competition and exposure.

Emmanuel has become a positive role model for new participants entering the program, showing what is possible when inclusive environments exist and people are supported to reach their potential.

For Emmanuel, his journey reflects how inclusive sport can build confidence, strengthen self-esteem and create lasting change for individuals, families and communities.

ENDS