Play in the Bay Connects Albany with Inclusive Sport
Finding the right sport or recreation activity isn’t always easy – especially for people living with disability and their families. Knowing which clubs are welcoming, what activities are available and where to start can often be one of the biggest barriers to participation.
Play in the Bay was created to make those connections easier.
Held in Albany, the community event brought together local sporting clubs, recreation providers, arts organisations and community groups to showcase the inclusive opportunities available across the Great Southern region. More than an event, Play in the Bay reflected the work already taking place through Sport4All to help local organisations build their confidence and capability to welcome people of all abilities.
Building Inclusion Before the Event
The success of Play in the Bay began long before the first community members arrived.
Through the Sport4All program, local clubs and organisations worked alongside a Sport4All Inclusion Coach to strengthen their understanding of disability inclusion and explore practical ways to create more welcoming and accessible environments.
This included encouraging clubs to complete the Sport4All Inclusion Check-In, access online learning and resources, and have meaningful conversations about how they could remove barriers to participation.
Play in the Bay provided an opportunity for those organisations to put that learning into practice by meeting directly with community members and demonstrating the inclusive opportunities available within their clubs and programs.
Bringing Local Opportunities Together
For many families, finding inclusive activities often means searching across multiple organisations, speaking to different providers and trying to determine which environments will best support their needs.
Play in the Bay brought those opportunities together in one place.
Attendees were able to meet local clubs and community organisations, ask questions, explore different activities and learn more about the support available to help them get involved.
The event featured a diverse range of inclusive sport, recreation and creative opportunities, including Surfing for the Disabled, Football Futures and its popular inflatable soccer pitch, alongside a variety of local clubs and community groups committed to creating welcoming environments for people with disability.
Rather than simply promoting programs, the event encouraged conversations that helped build confidence for participants and their families as they considered taking the next step into community sport and recreation.
Creating Lasting Community Connections
Play in the Bay strengthened connections between local organisations, participants and families while raising awareness of the inclusive opportunities already available across Albany.
The event also highlighted the important role local clubs play in creating welcoming environments where everyone has the opportunity to participate.
One of the most significant outcomes has been the establishment of the Miniballers League in Albany, creating an ongoing participation opportunity for children and young people who may not previously have had access to organised sport in a way that met their needs.
It is an example of how community events can lead to lasting opportunities that extend well beyond a single day.
A Legacy That Continues
Perhaps the strongest measure of Play in the Bay’s success is what happens next.
Following the positive response from the community, the City of Albany has committed to taking ownership of the event and continuing it as a regular community initiative. This commitment will help ensure local people living with disability and their families continue to discover inclusive opportunities, build connections and participate in community life for years to come.
Play in the Bay demonstrated what is possible when local government, community organisations and sporting clubs work together with a shared commitment to inclusion.
Supported by Sport4All and the ongoing work of the local Inclusion Coach, the event showcased more than the activities available across Albany—it highlighted a community continuing to build a more inclusive sporting landscape where more people can participate, belong and thrive.
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