The Interschools Wheelchair Basketball and Goalball Tournament is returning to Grafton PCYC on International Day of People with Disability. Organised by Social Futures in partnership with Clarence Valley Council, the inclusive sports event gives local students the chance to experience wheelchair sports and goalball while promoting awareness, acceptance and understanding of the 1 in 5 Australians with disability. Community members interested in finding out more about accessible recreational activities are invited to join the fun with giveaways and a free BBQ lunch to enjoy.
The Interschools Wheelchair Basketball and Goalball Tournament returns to Grafton PCYC on Wednesday 3 December, and the community is invited to come along and celebrate International Day of People with Disability
The event now in its third year is organised by non-profit Social Futures in partnership with Clarence Valley Council and gives local students the chance to experience wheelchair sports and goalball while promoting awareness, acceptance and understanding of the 1 in 5 Australians with disability.
Social Futures Senior Manager, Capacity Building and Engagement, Lynda Hope said the day promises plenty of excitement and friendly competition, kicking off at 9:30am with local identities participating in an exhibition game, followed by the schools tournament at 10:15am.
“The Politicians vs All Stars exhibition game is always a crowd favourite. It’s a fun way for local identities to experience the skill and athleticism these sports demand while recognising International Day of People with Disability,” said Ms Hope.
Social Futures NDIS local area coordinator, Jason Kingsley, is hands-on in pulling the event together and said he’s proud to see the tournament become a much-anticipated fixture on the local schools calendar.
“It’s wonderful to see how popular this event has become with the students and teachers, all seven high schools in the Clarence Valley are participating this year,” said Mr Kingsley.
“The two different sports will run simultaneously on separate courts, schools will play each other in both sports, and points accumulated will contribute to their overall points tally on the day.”
“The great thing about the tournament is that these are all-ability sports, so whether you have disability or not, you can participate on the same level.”
Wheelchair tennis Paralympian and Social Futures NDIS local area coordinator, David “DJ” Johnson will return to officiate matches and share professional tips and tricks with players as they learn how to manoeuvre the cutting-edge sports wheelchairs.
Mr Johnson has engaged with close to 38,000 students over the past five years through Social Futures’ disability inclusion programs in regional NSW.
“Many people don’t get to spend time around others with disability, so opportunities like this can really dispel misconceptions and open up new ways of thinking that benefit everyone,” said Mr Johnson.
Clarence Valley Mayor, Ray Smith, said he is looking forward to being a part of this year’s event, “The Interschools Wheelchair Basketball and Goalball Tournament is an amazing event that everyone eagerly anticipates, and I’m looking forward to trying my hand at wheelchair basketball.
“This tournament offers a glimpse into the wheelchair experience, and I can’t wait to see the kids have a blast out there.
“Team Pollies held on to the victory last year, and we’re aiming to defend our title this year, so Team All Stars better bring their A-game.
“It’s going to be a great competition, and I encourage everyone to come out and support the teams.”
The Grafton PCYC is an accessible venue where students, teachers and community members interested in finding out more about accessible recreational activities can join the fun. There will be giveaways and a free BBQ lunch to enjoy.
Grafton community radio Loving Life FM 103.1 will broadcast live from the event.
Disability inclusion program Sports Ability is a fun, interactive and free program being delivered by Social Futures to schools in Northern NSW.
Social Futures is a proud NDIS partner providing local area coordination services for people with disability across regional NSW. The Grafton office is located at 50 Victoria Street.
To learn more about how Social Futures can support you or your school visit www.socialfutures.org.au, call 1800 522 679, or email [email protected]
