City of Busselton
Inclusive Sports Day Showcases Adaptive Sports at Geographe Leisure Centre
The Geographe Leisure Centre in Busselton recently hosted an Inclusive Sports Day, with over 80 participants of all ages and abilities. This partnership between the City of Busselton and Sport4All showcased how adaptive sports can create a more inclusive community.
Opportunity
In the City of Busselton, 21.2% people identify as having disability, thats over 8000 residents! As the fastest-growing regional centre in Western Australia, the City is dedicated to ensuring all community members feel engaged and connected, regardless of ability. Over the past five years, the City has made significant strides in improving access to services, facilities, and information for people with disability.
To further enhance inclusion in sport and recreation, the City of Busselton partnered with Sport4All, engaging an Inclusion Coach to support the delivery of inclusive programs. This partnership led to the development and implementation of the Inclusive Sports Day, showcasing the City’s commitment to providing opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in sport.
Solution: Inclusive Approach
Sport4All, with its expertise in adaptive sports, partnered with the City of Busselton to organise and promote the Inclusive Sports Day. Our Inclusion Coach, Melissa Egan, based with the City of Busselton, collaborated closely to ensure the event’s success.
Key features included:
- Partnered with local disability sports organisations to offer a diverse range of adaptive sports programs, ensuring there were options for everyone.
- Secured the Geographe Leisure Centre as the venue, providing an accessible and welcoming space for participants to engage in adaptive sports.
- Recruited volunteers, including Busselton Senior High School students, to support participants and foster a positive environment for adaptive sports.
- Promoted the event and the many benefits of adaptive sports to the wider community through various channels.
Deliverables:
- A variety of adaptive sports, including Wheelchair AFL, Basketball, Sitting Volleyball, Blind Soccer, and Tennis, allowing participants to explore different options and find activities they enjoy.
- A welcoming and accessible environment that encouraged people of all abilities to try adaptive sports and experience the joy of movement.
- A successful community event promoting awareness and participation in adaptive sports, with strong attendance and positive media coverage.
Impact: Over 80 Participants!
Participation and Awareness: Over 80 participants of all ages and abilities attended the Inclusive Sports Day, demonstrating the growing interest in adaptive sports within the Busselton community. The event successfully raised awareness of local adaptive sports opportunities, including a feature segment on 7News Regional WA.
Video Source: 7News Regional WA
Participation and Awareness: Participants with disability experienced the physical and social benefits of adaptive sports in a welcoming and supportive environment. The Inclusive Sports Day fostered a sense of community and belonging, while student volunteers gained valuable experience in disability awareness and inclusion through their involvement with adaptive sports.
Sustainability: Sport4All and the City of Busselton continue to collaborate on programs that promote and support adaptive sports, ensuring long-term access and inclusion for people with disability in the community.
Key Learnings
- Collaboration is Key: The success of the Inclusive Sports Day highlights the importance of partnerships between organisations like Sport4All and local communities to expand opportunities in adaptive sports.
- Engaging Young People: Involving students as volunteers provides valuable support for adaptive sports events and fosters a more inclusive mindset among young people, encouraging their future participation in adaptive sports.
- Replicating Success: Other communities can create similar inclusive events focused on adaptive sports by partnering with Sport4All and local organisations.
The Inclusive Sports Day demonstrated the positive role of adaptive sports in promoting inclusion and overall well-being. Sport4All continues its work to build inclusive communities where everyone can participate in sport, particularly through increased access to adaptive sports programs.
