THE SALTO FOUNDATION has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and community engagement sponsoring the Kevin Coombs Cup Victorian Wheelchair Basketball Team.
Named in honour of Kevin Coombs OAM, a pioneer in Australian wheelchair basketball, the Kevin Coombs Cup has been Australia’s premier national championship for junior wheelchair basketball athletes since 2008. The tournament provides a crucial platform for emerging talent, allowing young athletes to showcase their skills and gain invaluable experience on the national stage.
Caine Hillier, General Manager, Salto Oceania explains, “this event unites corporate teams, fitness enthusiasts, and community supporters in the spirit of camaraderie, health, and social impact.”
Representing Salto across Australia and New Zealand, the “Squad Salto” participated in the triathlon, taking on the challenge of a 300m swim followed by a 10km cycle and a 4km run. Squad Salto comprised 17 members of the Australian Salto team who managed to successfully raise $37,000 for wheelchair basketball.
Teams competed on the day had the option of competing in the Full Relay—where each member completed all three disciplines—or the Fun Relay, allowing participants to split the segments among teammates. The triathlon included generous contributions from key sponsors LSC (Gold Sponsor), a leader in innovative security solutions and SecureTel (Silver Sponsor), a trusted name in secure communications.
“The Salto Foundation is dedicated to breaking barriers and creating meaningful opportunities for athletes in adaptive sports. By championing initiatives that support para-athletes, Salto provides the resources, recognition, and competitive opportunities needed to reach the highest levels. This sponsorship reflects Salto’s core values of teamwork, accessibility, and social impact, helping athletes thrive and inspire others,” says Caine.
Following the triathlon on the afternoon of 25 February at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Salto will participate in a friendly game of wheelchair basketball. Employees will have the opportunity to experience the sport first-hand, gaining a greater appreciation for the strength, skill, and determination of para-athletes.
The event will also feature a presentation from Basketball Australia, and Salto will present the Victorian Wheelchair Basketball Team with the funds raised through the triathlon. “Our aim is to raise over $35,000 and present the cheque to Basketball Australia on the day,” explains Caine.
