Members of our community enjoyed an inclusive AFL and wheelchair rugby ‘come and try’ day at Orrong Romanis Recreation Centre on Sunday 5 December, as part of the City of Stonnington’s week-long program of inclusive and accessible activities celebrating International Day of People with Disability.
The activity – in partnership with the City of Monash — was made possible with the support of the Sport4All program.
Wheelchair and blind/vision impaired AFL made up the first part of the day, with St Kilda AFL Blind captain, Shannon Jones, making an appearance fresh off winning the Victorian Blind Football League Grand Final the previous day.
With premiership trophy in hand, Jones shared his experience of discovering blind football via a similar ‘come and try’ day.
“When I got involved with blind footy…there was a come and try day that I registered for and I was a bit reluctant to go along and try,” Jones recalled.
“I’m so glad I did…it really made me feel positive that I could play a sport I used to play anyway.”
The second part of the day was a wheelchair rugby ‘come and try’ session, with special guest Jason Lees in attendance.
Lees, a three-time Paralympian with two wheelchair rugby gold medals in London and Rio, spoke of the benefits and importance of accessible sport activities like these at the local level.
“It really makes me happy [seeing people enjoy accessible sport]. Going through what I went through — having an accident and getting a disability – getting involved with sport, the opportunities it’s given me have been really life-changing”, said Lees.
“When I see other people start playing accessible sport, it definitely puts a smile on my face.”
Representatives from Sport4All and Disability Sport & Recreation were also involved in the day’s activities, including Ben Pettingill, Jeremy O’Sullivan, Ryan Smith, and Max Reilly; and representatives from local sporting clubs, eager to discover the resources and support available for grassroots clubs and participants.
Watch the video.
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