Focusing on celebrating inclusion and community connection through empowerment, the 2018 International Day of People with a Disability celebrations throughout the Goulburn Valley promises to be best yet.
Being held in both the Greater Shepparton and Strathbogie Shire regions, the International Day of People with a Disability events this year are jam packed full of activities for the whole community to enjoy. Valley Sport Project Officer Jarryd Cutler said that the events were a fantastic opportunity for people from all walks of life to connect and interact.
“International Day of People with a Disability is for everyone to celebrate. The focus of the day is all about education, empowerment and inclusion for each and every person. This year a lot of work has gone in to preparing fun filled days full of activities and guest speakers to bring our communities closer together”.
The Shepparton Sports Stadium will play host to the first celebration on Monday December 3rd from 10am until 2:30pm with a calendar of events that Cutler said made the event a must attend.
“The Stadium will be jam packed full of come and try activities ranging from blind soccer and wheelchair basketball, to badminton, netball indoor bowls and so much more. We’ll also have the Greater Shepparton City Council’s Activities In The Park team down as well to run a number of smaller games – so there’s something to suit everyone”.
“In addition to the hands on aspect of the day we have been privileged enough to secure the services of former Australian Wheelchair Basketballer Nick Morris OAM, who will be providing an insight into his achievements and what it means to be an athlete with a disability. His message will be powerful and inspiring and something you do not want to miss”.
The Strathbogie Shire celebrations will kick off the day after with Euroa Secondary College housing a come and try session of wheelchair basketball and AFL which will be delivered by Disability Sport and Recreation Victoria and Lincoln Budge, a multiple sport wheelchair athlete. This event will run from 10am until 1pm.
The Nagambie Town Hall will also hold their own event on Friday the 7th of December from 10am until 1pm with Table Tennis and Dance activities on offer for all in attendance.
Cutler encouraged the community to get behind the events, no matter where they may be. “No matter which of the three wonderful events you attend, please make sure you do take the time out of your day to show your support of inclusive communities. The events will be running for the majority of the day, so on your lunch break or before your shift starts make sure you come and hear from our speakers, interact with our presenters and help us empower people with a disability”.
For more information on the events, please contact Valley Sport Project Officer Jarryd Cutler on (03) 5831 8456 or email jarryd@valleysport.net.au