International Day of People with Disability, recognised on December 3rd, highlights the importance of creating inclusive, welcoming and accessible environments where everyone can participate in society. One of the strengths of volleyball is its ability to be adapted to fit the needs of the participants. With our adaptive volley initiative, our goal is to create opportunities to everyone to enjoy our sport. With 1.3 billion people around the world affected by disability, it is important to always strive towards building pathways that give all individuals the opportunity to learn, play and compete.
Volleyball WA celebrated the importance of the day by attending the Joondalup Education Support Centre’s Multi Sport Come and Try Day. Several other sports attended to put on activities for the students to enjoy and try out sports they would often face barriers in playing. The event highlighted the importance of creating these opportunities for participants to ensure everyone, no matter their ability, is able to experience the benefits of playing sport in an inclusive environment.
In addition, on December 9th we delivered sitting volleyball to around 80 Chisolm Catholic College students to promote the parasport. Being able to introduce and deliver these opportunities to participants without disability is important in ensuring that mainstream students are able to challenge misconceptions about parasport and become champions of inclusion.
Thanks to the support of CITS’ Inclusive Participation Grant funding, Volleyball WA will be continuing to provide these opportunities to people with disability to continue to emphasise the mental and physical benefits of volleyball. If you are interested in finding out more about our adaptive volley initiative, visit our Adaptive Volley webpage or contact [email protected]
