International Day of People with a Disability (IDPDW) is a day for us all to acknowledge the barriers that people with disability still face, whether it be in public spaces, at work or on the sporting field.
This year, the theme of the day is “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world”, with “sport as an exemplar” being a topic of focus.
One of those sports is Para Football, a 7-a-side soccer game for those with neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy, acquired brain injuries and symptoms of a stroke.
Recently, the National Para Football Championships took place on the Gold Coast in Queensland, with the Vic Para Football team featuring top players from Football Victoria’s All Abilities League. They did the state proud by scoring some great goals and making the Grand Final against New South Wales.
While the Victorians couldn’t top the New South Welshmen this time around, they still took home second place at the tournament and are keen to go one better next year.
Supporting the journey to success for teams like Vic Para is what Government programs like Together More Active are all about.
By working with a range of organisations like Football Victoria, the Program is not only breaking down barriers to participation but creating talent and skill development opportunities, potential careers, lasting friendships and for up-and-coming teams like Vic Para, pathways to win championships.
Together More Active is backed by the Government’s Access for All Abilities Program that’s kicked in $1.5 million towards initiatives that are also opening more doors for people with a disability to get in to sport and active recreation.
If you’re keen to follow in the footsteps of our Vic Para Football champs check out the AAAPlay website. It’s the online gateway that has been connecting thousands of Victorians with a disability to a wide range of exciting state-wide sport and recreation opportunities and proudly supported by the Victorian Government.