National award recognises leadership in parasport research and development

Dr Batty has been named the recipient of the 2026 Sport Management Association of Australia and New Zealand (SMAANZ) Industry Engagement Award, recognising outstanding collaboration between academia and industry that delivers meaningful impact in both sectors. It is the second time she has received the award.

The award acknowledges Dr Batty’s research partnership with Boccia New Zealand, which grew from her appointment as Co-Chair of the national sport organisation in 2025. As part of the organisation’s governance leadership, she contributes to strategic decision-making and developing initiatives that strengthen and grow the Para-sport.

Boccia is a highly strategic precision sport originally designed for, and particularly accessible to, people with disabilities. Governed by a classification system that groups athletes according to their level of impairment and functional ability, the sport ensures fair and meaningful competition. Boccia is also a Paralympic sport, with New Zealand athletes competing on the international stage.

Alongside her governance work, Dr Batty is leading a multi-university national research project examining the social and organisational impacts of para-athlete classification, using Boccia New Zealand as a case study.

The research explores how classification systems shape athlete experiences, participation opportunities and organisational practices, while highlighting important issues relating to diversity, equity and inclusion in sport. The research will help to inform the directives of World Boccia, whilst also providing foundation for a larger para-sport classification research project extending through to the 2032 Brisbane Paralympic Games.

Dr Batty’s work is also influencing the next generation of sport professionals. Insights from her governance and research activities are incorporated into the sport development courses she teaches within the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise, providing students with contemporary, real-world examples of inclusion, athlete wellbeing, governance and sport management best practice.