Chris Henderson
Chris Henderson is a prominent figure in Australian wheelchair sports, celebrated for his leadership, athletic achievements, and advocacy for disability inclusion.
Early Life and Diagnosis:
Hailing from Ballarat, Victoria, Henderson had a successful local football career, including a stint with East Perth in the WAFL during the late 1990s. In late 2017, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a life-altering event that led him to rediscover his passion for sport through wheelchair football. After a challenging 15-month period of retraining and regaining mobility, he embraced the sport, making his debut in the Victorian Wheelchair Football League (VWFL) in 2019.
Richmond Tigers: A Legacy of Excellence.
Joining the Richmond Wheelchair Football Team in 2019, Henderson quickly became a standout player. In his debut season, he was awarded the club’s Best and Fairest, the league’s Best and Fairest, and was named Best on Ground in the Grand Final, contributing to Richmond’s premiership victory. Elevated to captain in 2020, he led the team to another premiership in 2022. His leadership extended beyond the club, as he captained the Victorian state team to an undefeated national championship win in 2022.
Transition to Essendon and Coaching:
In October 2024, Henderson took on a new challenge as the playing Senior Coach of the Essendon Wheelchair Football Club. Bringing a wealth of experience and a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, he aims to elevate the Bombers’ program and guide them toward their first premiership in the wheelchair space.
Advocacy and the Freedom Sports Foundation:
Beyond the court, Henderson is a passionate advocate for disability inclusion in sports. He founded the Freedom Sports Foundation, a registered not-for-profit charity dedicated to creating positive sporting experiences for young people with disabilities. The foundation offers programs in Wheelchair AFL and Basketball as well as a variety of Paralympic sports, disability awareness for schools, and corporate engagement days, aiming to dismantle barriers and promote inclusivity in sports across Australia.
Personal Life and Community Engagement:
Residing in Torquay with his wife Hollie son Ronny and his dog Bowie, Henderson is deeply involved in his local community. He participates in wheelchair basketball with Freedom Sports wheelchair Basketball team and collaborates with AFL vic to deliver the wheelchair Auskick program into the future.
Freedom Sports aims to promote adaptive sports in schools throughout Australia.
His commitment to community engagement underscores his belief in the transformative power of sport.
Recognition and Media:
Henderson’s contributions have been recognised through various platforms. He featured in a Colgate advertisement during the AFL finals campaign and collaborated with Google and the AFL on the “Footy Skills Lab” app to teach kids how to play wheelchair AFL. As a keynote speaker, he shares his experiences to inspire others, emphasising resilience and the importance of inclusivity in sports.
Chris Henderson’s journey from a local footballer to a national champion and advocate exemplifies the impact of determination and inclusivity in sports.