A fresh wave of inclusive energy is rolling through Mackay, with a dedicated Sport4All Inclusion Coach now working alongside Mackay Regional Council to champion equal access to local sport.
The Sport4All program is run across the country and works with sports clubs, schools and organisations like council to improve their knowledge and capability to include people with a disability.
Mackay Sport4All Inclusion Coach, Kristy Bugeja said the program is helping people and organisations to challenge stereotypes.
“Inclusion coaches are people with a disability or those with a lived experience of disability, which ensures authentic perspectives and practical insights,” Ms Bugeja said.
“Sport4All gives people with a disability the opportunity to be involved in sport however they want – whether as a player, a coach, a volunteer or administrator.
“People with a disability have a wide range of skills that can not only benefit individuals, but clubs as well – it’s a matter of giving these groups the confidence to include people with a disability.”
Mayor Greg Williamson said this year’s theme for International Day of People with a Disability is Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing progress.
“Council is passionate about accessibility – it’s far more than a box we tick, it’s a major priority that runs through every facet of council’s business,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Council’s vision is for the region to ‘become the best region for liveability and livelihood’ and that vision includes everyone in the region,” he said.
“We recognise and celebrate everyone’s different abilities and welcome and embrace diversity and strive to create a place where everyone feels they belong.”
“The Sport4All program and my role as an inclusion coach fits perfectly with this year’s theme,” Ms Bugeja said.
“By becoming more inclusive, everyone benefits and our communities become more engaged, which has such wide-reaching effects.
“Often it takes just small changes to make an impact in your community.
“People with a disability get the same physical, mental and social benefits from participating in sport as those without disability, which is why inclusion is so important.”
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows 5.5-million Australians are living with a disability, which is more than 21-percent of the population.
To find out more visit https://sport4all.com.au/
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