People living with disability and their families have been encouraged to learn about accessible sports in the region at an inclusive community sports day next month.
The event, run by Solve Disability Solutions, will give people with disabilities the opportunity to try a range of sports, including archery, wheelchair rugby and badminton, pickleball and lawn bowls, and connect with local sport clubs.
Solve Disability Solutions recreation development coordinator Tim Marchinton said the aim of the day was to get people connected with their community.
“Being active is a positive whether you live with a disability or not … both physically but also mentally,” he said.
“Being involved in sport is about making connections and friends, and feeling more connected to society.
“It’s like a slice a of the happiness pizza, it is important to feel like you’re part of something … and that’s why we run these days.
“We’ll have different sports clubs there to show what accessible and inclusive sports there are in the region – they’re all sports that are specifically catered to people with disability.”
Mr Marchinton said the event was “highly experiential” and the aim was to get everyone going home “exhausted but excited”.
“It’s not one of those things where there’s a bunch of tables and people just talk … it’s all about getting out there and having a go, and hopefully finding something you enjoy,” he said.
Solve has previously run the day in the region and Mr Marchinton said it had been a success.
“We’re very excited to be bringing this back to the Barwon region every school holidays,” he said.
The benefits of the program were recognised recently at the Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards, where Mr Marchinton was named administrator of the year.
He said the day was completely free and all equipment needed would be provided.
The inclusive sports day will be held at the Barwon Valley Activity Centre from noon-3pm on Monday, January 17.
To register: bit.ly/3DyMrOI.
Ash Bolt
