Welcome to another episode of the Aquatic Mentors podcast. I am your host, Katrina van Eyk.
In this episode I interview an industry professional who has had years of experience in the aquatics field as both a Para Swimmer and a diversity and inclusion expert so please extend a big welcome to the podcast for Matthew Haanappel.
Matthew has had an amazing career in swimming representing Australia since 2010 collecting Paralympic Gold and Bronze at London 2012 Paralympic Games, World Championship Bronze at IPC World Championships in Montreal, Canada, 2013, 3x Gold, 2x Silver and Bronze at Paralympic Pan Pacific Championships, Los Angeles, USA, 2014 and competed at the Rio Paralympics 2016 and Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018.
During his time in swimming Matthew has taken many paid and volunteer roles in management centring around diversity and inclusion. In his current role as Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator for the City of Monash Sports and Recreation Department Matthew has been one of the key players in developing a new program called ‘Integrated Practical Placement’ for the purpose of giving people with a disability a place to develop workplace skills.
Matthew has also used his skills to in conjunction with Swimmer Victoria put together the Diversity and Inclusion committee of which he is Chairperson.
He dedicates his life to increasing the profile of Paralympic sport in Australia and the advocacy of people with disabilities and developing an environment where everyone has a fair go in sport.
Matthew’s interview was recorded some months back so please be aware that conversations in the interview will include topics that may have changed or be currently happening.
Through today’s episode Matt shares some insights into his work as well as his thoughts on swimming in Australia and where he see’s swimming moving to in the future.
Please share the hidden gems you find in Matt’s interview on our Facebook page, Aquatic Mentors and you will find all his contact details listed at the end of the show notes.
If you want to share your aquatic story, please contact me via my email: regionalswimclinics@outlook.com
So, let’s jump in and find out more about Matt’s journey in swimming.
Matthew Haanappel’s Contact Information:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-haanappel-oam-596093b8/
Email: haanappel.matthew.a@gmail.com
Katrina van Eyk's Contact Information:
Aquatic Mentors - https://www.aquaticmentors.com.au/
Facebook - Aquatic Mentors
Regional Swim Clinics - www.regionalswimclinics.com.au
Email – regionalswimclinics@outlook.com
Facebook - Regional Swim Clinics
