LARA Grimson, 6, was among those who took part in an athletics carnival run by disability service provider Northcott.
For Lara, of Barden Ridge, the athletics carnival at Sydney Olympic Park was a first for her.
The Lucas Heights Community School Kindergarten pupil has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair for mobility.
Lara's mother Kim Grimson said her daughter "had a ball".
"Carnivals like this get kids out of the school environment and take part in fun sports just like every other child," she said.
"They're also a great way for Lara and other kids to make new friends with kids who have similar abilities."
Northcott is a non-profit provider that supports more than 13,000 children and adults living with disabilities, their families and carers in NSW and the ACT.
Northcott's Camps and Events co-ordinator Ben Knight thanked members of the community for donations that helped fund the carnivals. "We receive no government funding to run these carnivals," he said.
"Northcott believes every child should be able to take part in activities such as school athletics or swimming carnivals, whether they were born with a disability or not.
"That's why these carnivals are so important because they give kids with disabilities the chance to play or compete with others on a level playing field."
Northcott: northcott.com.au/donate