MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire’s first All Abilities Come and Try Sports Day, Wednesday, at Civic Reserve Recreation Centre, Mornington, was a big success.
People with disabilities, carers, families and friends attended the free event to celebrate International Day of People with a Disability.
It aimed to make the most of the facilities at the leisure centre as well as feature a range of accessible activities.
“The shire acknowledges the tremendous support of local sports clubs and associations, disability groups and the community,” said Cr Antonella Celi, who is the council’s representative on the All Abilities Consultative Committee.
The theme of the day was: ‘Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities’.
Supporters included Cricket Victoria, Focus, Karingal, SCOPE, Special Olympics Victoria, MYC Gymnastics, Elite Tennis Academy and the Mornington Peninsula Table Tennis Association.
“We are very proud to bring this event to our community,” Cr Celi said.
“One-in-five people have a disability in Australia, which equates to more than 30,000 people on the Mornington Peninsula living with some form of disability. If you include mental illness, this figure goes even higher.
“The shire is dedicated to promoting community awareness of disability access and equity issues. This event celebrates people of all abilities, and offers an opportunity for people with a disability and their carers to participate in a range of different sports and enjoy a great day out,” said Cr Celi.
The day featured tennis, gymnastics, soccer, netball, football, cricket, yoga, Pilates, table tennis, SWISH (blind table tennis). A mini expo offered information about other disability recreation groups.
