Port Stephens Council, Sport4All and Abilities Unleashed have partnered with local clubs and schools to deliver a multi-sport day for children living with disability.
The Sport4All x Abilities Unleashed Kids Event, held at King Park in Raymond Terrace, was an inclusive multi-sport 'come and try' day designed for primary school-aged children living with disability.
The event provided local kids a safe, welcoming environment to try a variety of sports, build confidence, and connect with local sports clubs.
Council's community vision is a great lifestyle in a treasured environment. This can be achieved by providing inclusive and accessible facilities, services, and opportunities for people of all abilities and backgrounds.
Through the Disability Inclusion and Access Advisory Group and Disability Inclusion Action Plan, Council is creating positive change and working alongside the community to shape Port Stephens into a more inclusive community where all people are supported to participate.
"One of my kindergarten students who has had no exposure to any sport started each activity saying 'No'. He built confidence and thoroughly enjoyed each activity. Thank you," said Kellie, a teacher at Irrawang Public School.
"I witnessed students of all abilities and ages engaged, having fun and building confidence in themselves," said Dylan, a local teacher.
"Students were a bit unsure at first, then as the day progressed they were all in," said a School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) at Hunter River High School.
"It was great to see all the students having fun and giving all the sports a go," said Charlotte, a teacher at Hunter River High School.
We hope this event will encourage local sports networks to get involved with the Sport4All program and learn more about how they can deliver more inclusive sports.
With 6.4% of Port Stephens residents requiring assistance due to a profound or severe disability, local clubs are partnering with the nationally funded Sport4All program to upskill coaches and volunteers. Through practical tools and mentorship, the program helps clubs create inclusive environments where everyone can belong as a player, official, or volunteer.
