Programs We Support /

Programs We Support

Disabled Surfing Association 

The Disabled Surfing Association is a uniquely Australian organisation with global ambitions – setting the world’s best practice for the sport of disabled surfing. To learn more, visit the Disabled Surfers Association of Australia website. 

Initially set up for injured surfers, the popularity of DSA saw it quickly expand its target group to now cater for anyone with a disability wanting to participate in surfing.

The DSA creates opportunities for everyone, including disabled participants and able-bodied volunteers, to experience unique, safe and happy surfing events under the supervision of trained team leaders and beach marshalls.

The volunteers’ passion for their sport, and the ability to make a difference to the lives of others, is the driving force behind the DSA’s work – backed by the support of our members, local communities and some minor government funding.

The success of the DSA’s training program has seen it expand to 16 branches across Australia and New Zealand.

In 2019, the Titans Together was part of a magic moment four decades in the making with former Australian surfer Wayne McKewen and the creation of a specialised “Life-Craft” surfboard for DSA.

One of Australia’s leading surfboard shapers, McKewen was fully committed to this project after suffering from a debilitating illness as a teenager. Working together with the Titans Community team and DSA, McKewen designed and created the specialist board to ensure everyone can experience the joy and thrill of catching a wave.

Using money raised during the “Titans Community Kick-In” – a fundraising project for worthy charities and causes in the Gold Coast region – the Titans partnered with McKewen to purchase and donate the specialised Life-Craft board for DSA.

This helped to raise public awareness of the work done by the DSA, and further strengthen the long-term relationship between the organisation and the Gold Coast Titans.

Down Syndrome Queensland

Down Syndrome Queensland is a registered charity established by parents in 1976. Staffed by a small, dynamic team of full-time and part-time staff, Down Syndrome Queensland provides a range of services and support for families throughout Queensland. To learn more, visit the Down Syndrome Queensland website.

Since 2014, the Gold Coast Titans have hosted a very special group of Queenslanders on match day at Cbus Super Stadium, with children from the Down Syndrome Association of Queensland taking centre stage.

On a set game every year, the children are partnered with players from the Titans and the opposition team, and made to feel extra special as they run onto the field with the NRL players before kick-off.

In 2019, the Melbourne Storm and their captain Cameron Smith embraced the work done by the Titans and DSQ by sharing this special day and making it unforgettable for all involved.

DSQ Member Cally Ward said: “DSQ really values the relationship with the Titans. The kids get a really fantastic opportunity to do a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“They can go back to school and they can do show and tell, and they really feel the passion of the crowd. They love the excitement and the atmosphere of the game, and for the families, they get to really celebrate their child and see their child do something that – in the normal scheme of things – they would never do.

“So we are extremely grateful to the Gold Coast Titans for creating this opportunity for children with Down Syndrome.”