Grafton experienced the ultimate ‘spin-off’ when the first community and school wheelchair basketball tournament rolled into town on Thursday, November 30. Social Futures and the Clarence Valley Council organised the tournament, which gave people the chance to experience ‘sport on wheels’ – and it raised awareness about the importance of sport for people with disability. The event is part of the celebrations for International Day of People with Disability,
Grafton experienced the ultimate ‘spin-off’ when the first community and school wheelchair basketball tournament rolled into town on Thursday, November 30.
Social Futures and the Clarence Valley Council organised the tournament, which gave people the chance to experience ‘sport on wheels’ – and it raised awareness about the importance of sport for people with disability.
The event is part of the celebrations for International Day of People with Disability, a United Nations-sanctioned day (Sunday, December 3, 2023) which acknowledges the achievements of people with disability and promotes inclusiveness. Social Futures is a NDIS partner in the community and helps people to access support.
Wheelchair tennis Paralympian David Johnson, employed by Social Futures, was at Grafton’s PCYC to referee the games and provide some on-court guidance to the players.
“The tournament kicked off with an exhibition match between local politicians and an all-star team made up of locals and police,” David said. “The exhibition game was a hoot – there were a couple of sporting types on both sides, but then when you throw them into a wheelchair, it completely changed things.”
The all-star-police team was the victors, winning four goals to zero.
David has been taking wheelchair sports into Northern Rivers schools for three years and students have provided very positive feedback about the sessions.
“The primary and secondary students soon figure out how challenging it is to control a sports wheelchair, it’s a good leveller and they quickly realise the talent and skill involved in wheelchair sports,” he said.
“But most students love this challenge it also provides me with the chance to talk to them about the lives of people with disability and the importance of becoming an inclusive community.
“I make the point that people with disability have a right to sport, socialising, employment, and a full life – people with disability can achieve the same things as anyone else, but sometimes their path to the same goals is slightly different.
“The wheelchair sports sessions really get them thinking, and afterwards the kids often suggest to their teachers ways their school can become more inclusive – this may involve installing ramps or just changing attitudes to be more accepting of difference.”
Grafton-based Social Futures local area coordinator Jason Kingsley organised Grafton’s first wheelchair basketball tournament and the local radio station, Loving Life, broadcasted live on the day.
“The plan is for it to become an annual event – there’s an inclusion perpetual trophy up for grabs ,” Jason said.
“We also held a BBQ lunch. This was a day of community and fun, and players quickly learnt that it’s not just speed that wins the day but skills like pivoting, passing, dribbling and teamwork. The tournament was spectacular.
“We live in a world that isn’t always built for people with disability and diverse need – but with a greater amount of awareness and understanding, and changes in mindset and physical environments, people with disability can be equal contributors to society.
“The objective of the day was to recognise International Day of People with Disability – that means acknowledging the achievements and contribution people with disability make to society…and also highlighting the need for greater awareness of diversity and inclusion in schools, workplaces and in society in general.”
To talk to a Local Area Coordinator email [email protected] or call our LAC Hotline on 1800 522 679 (Mon-Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm).
PHOTO: NSW Police Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer John Skinner and Senior Constable Tegan Baker (Youth Officer, Coffs Harbour Police Station) holding their medals after winning the Police Versus Politicians wheelchair basketball game in Grafton.