2023’s Keira Woman of the Year Renee Jurgielan is the co-founder of Frame Running Wollongong (FRW).

A Woonona local, Renee, Sian and their physiotherapist Suzy started the not-for-profit to empower children with a disability in 2021. Two years on, it has grown to become a registered charity with 26 children enjoying its programs and 50 trained volunteers helping to run weekly sessions at the University of Wollongong’s Sports Hub.

“We are dedicated to providing a free, accessible and inclusive sporting outlet for these children, who typically rely on wheelchairs or assistant walkers,” Renee said. “With custom-designed 3-wheel frames, we empower them with the transformative experience of ‘Freedom to Run’.”

Frame Running sessions are about exercise, fun and friendship, held with the help of local physiotherapists and a friendly ‘Therapy dog’. 

FRW is the only service of its kind in the Illawarra. 

For one local family it has been life changing. Renee shared Belinda Munroe's heartfelt testimonial about her five-year-old son, Ayrton, who has a rare genetic condition called Angelman Syndrome and since taking up frame running at age 3 has gone from being unable to stand or walk independently to walking short distances independently and running up to 3km each week in his frame runner. 

“Ayrton loves to move and frame running is his favourite part of the week!” Belinda said. "Frame Running Wollongong doesn’t only offer physical benefits but has created an incredible community … It has also given me a chance to meet other parents who have a child with a disability. Being able to share experiences, have others genuinely empathise with you is truly comforting.”

With a focus on inclusivity and equality, FRW aims to provide a safe, secure sport that helps children become fitter and stronger, boosting their endurance, self-confidence and overall well-being.

“Our program's experience of freedom and mobility will leave a positive and lasting impact on these children, encouraging their continued participation in frame running and other mobility activities,” Renee said.

While the focus is primarily on fun, the charity can also help put children on a pathway to competitive running through frame running.

“Being a unique sporting activity, FRW receives referrals from other community-based charities and therapists who recognise the benefits of frame running,” Renee said. “Skill development and training are central to our mission. Each child participating in FRW has individual goals carefully reviewed by our physiotherapist, ensuring progress and growth.

“We organise regular volunteer information sessions featuring guest speakers, such as speech pathologists, who share valuable insights on effective communication with non-verbal children. Additionally, we ensure that our volunteers are equipped with essential first-aid knowledge, including how to respond to seizures.”

2023 has been a busy year, with major achievements including launching a new website, running an evidence-based physiotherapy program using specialised tracking equipment to measure the children's heart rates and distance, and welcoming more children and volunteers to this special program.

“We have secured – through generous donations and applying for community grants – funding and have purchased 29 professionally fitted, individual frame runners in various sizes, allowing all participants to enjoy a frame,” Renee said.

The charity also now provides frame runners to enable children with disabilities to participate in school sports free of charge and has a trailer to transport the frames to special events. 

Another highlight of the year was a visit from Paralympian and creator of the Frame Runner, Connie Hansen from Denmark.

“These achievements have contributed to the success of Frame Running Wollongong in creating an inclusive community where children with disabilities have a strong sense of identity and belonging and are valued and supported to reach their full potential,” Renee said. 

FRW is for children from two to 14 years old. It’s free to join – parents or carers need to fill out a form then their child will be assessed by an FRW physiotherapist at one of the sessions. 

After two years of rapid growth, Renee remains passionate about continuing to give children with a disability the chance to feel the freedom of movement. 

“We believe that we represent a project that delivers sustainable benefits in the present and well into the future.

“We invite you to explore our social media channels on Facebook and Instagram to gain further insight into our work.”