July 2018

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Email info@dsr.org.au or call (03) 9473 0133.

2018 Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards finalists announced

Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards

After much deliberation by a panel of 11 independent judges, we are excited to announce the finalists chosen for the 2018 Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards.

The finalists have all demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their sport, a high level of sportsmanship and achieved outstanding results. 

"These awards are our opportunity to say thank you. Thank you for showcasing the talent, tenacity and humanity that is abundant in the disability sport and recreation sector.

“The stories shared enrich our community and prove the power of physical activity through sport and recreation to change lives and help us all to reach our potential.” Richard Amon, CEO, Disability Sport & Recreation.

Read the full list of finalists for each award category, on our website

The winners will be announced at an invitation-only awards ceremony to be held on August 1 at Southbank.

Want to watch the excitement unfold? For the first time, the event will be broadcast live at www.dsr.org.au/awards

The awards are proudly supported by PwC, My Sport Live, the Carbine Club, Polytan, VicHealth, DeakinTALENT, Aligned Leisure, Sport and Recreation Victoria, Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria and Craig Wetjen Photography.

Special Olympics Australia launches an online coaching course

Coach talking to sports team

Exciting news! Special Olympics Australia and Leaders of Evolution have launched a new online coaching course for those wanting to provide a more inclusive sporting experience for people with an intellectual disability.

The course will give coaches the skills to deliver practical coaching sessions to people with an intellectual disability across a variety of sports in a welcoming and inclusive space.

You can find more information about the course on the Special Olympics Australia website.

First look at AFL Wheelchair open skills sessions

People in wheelchairs talking and holding a football

Wonder what happens at AFL Wheelchair open skills sessions?

Our friends Andrew Phillip Stasiak and Red captured all the action at our latest session, that introduces new players to this emerging sport.

Watch the video

Be sure to head down to the next VWFL Open Skills Session on Sunday 29 July at 11am at the Boroondara Sports Complex for your chance to try it out for yourself.

It’s fast. It’s fun. It’s for everyone.

Register your interest in coming to the next skills session by filling out the online form.

If you have any questions, email our Sport and Recreation Manager Ayden Shaw or call (03) 9473 0133.

Have you registered yet?

National Disability Sports Conference

With just over a week to go until our first ever National Disability Sports Conference (NDSC), we're excited to announce that the program has been updated to include several new speakers to our already brimming lineup!

As part of the National Sports Convention, the NDSC will bring together key representatives from the disability sector to showcase ways to create more opportunities for people with disability to engage in sport and recreation.

The NDSC will also explore how the sports industry is preparing for the full rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

When: Tues 17 - Wed 18 July, 2018
Where: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Convention Centre Place South Wharf

You can find more information on the NDSC, the confirmed speakers and topics and how to register on the National Sports Convention website.

Victorian success at the Multi Bowl National Championships

Bowlers with a Physical Disability Victorian Team holding the state flag

Congratulations are in order!

Earlier this year the Multi Bowl National Championships were held in Perth, WA. Kardinya Bowling Club and Rossmoyne Bowling Club played host to the 48 competitors from six states.

The Bowlers with a Physical Disability Victorian Team put in a fantastic effort and came away with three Gold, three Silver, one Bronze and an Encouragement Award.

Congratulations to all the athletes who represented Victoria!

We're finalists in the 2018 Victorian Disability Awards!

2018 Victorian Disability Awards logo

Because one announcement of award finalists isn't enough, we're excited to confirm that we are a finalist in the 2018 Victorian Disability Awards!

Our Wheelchair Rugby Development Partnership (with Rugby Victoria) has been chosen as a finalist in the Excellence in Promoting Health, Housing and Wellbeing category. 

You can read the list of other deserving finalists on the Department of Health and Human Services website.

Member update

Ben Peacock holding an award

Exciting news from one of our members!

Ben Peacock was recently selected as a member of the Victorian Tenpin Bowling team, that will compete at the 2018 Australian Adult Ten Pin Bowling Championships.

The competition will be held at Oz Tenpin Chirnside Park from 6-27 October, 2018. 

Good luck Ben!

______________________________________________________

Another of our members, Jeremy O'Halloran, has had his AFL Wheelchair success story posted on the official Hawthorn website.

Playing for Hawthorn in the inaugural Victorian Wheelchair Football League is a dream come true for the passionate Hawks fan.

Read the full story online.

Focus on Ability Short Film Festival

Focus On Ability Short Film Festival logo

The NOVA Employment Focus on Ability Short Film Festival is celebrating 10 years of showcasing the creative talent of people with disability.

This year there are a record 297 films promoting the outstanding skills and abilities of people with disability.

Voting has closed but you can still check out some of the amazing Victorian entrants focusing on sport and recreation on the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival website OR head to the free screening:

When: Tuesday 31 July, 2018 
                                                       
Time: 11am-1pm  
                                             
Where: Arts Centre Melbourne             

RSVP: By July 13 to Trish on (02) 8886 5613 or admin@focusonability.com         

2018 Aerobase PASS Online Champions announced

Children holding a large novelty cheque

We recently had the pleasure of being on the judging panel for 2018 Aerobase PASS Online Championships.

Congratulations to the Croxton School who was named the 2018 Aerobase PASS Online Champion and took out the $1000 cash prize! 

You can read more about the Croxton School's big win and watch their winning entry on the Gymnastics Victoria website.

Kerang All Abilities Bowls Program a huge success

Group of people smiling for a photo on bowls lawn

Kerang Bowling Club and Mallee Sports Assembly recently finished another of their all abilities programs.

Participants from Murray Human Services visited the club each Tuesday morning to play an hour of bowls.

They each received one-on-one coaching from the volunteer club members and old CDs were placed down the lawn to help participants with aiming and delivery of the bowl.

The end of the program was celebrated with a morning tea and everyone was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for their fantastic efforts and enthusiasm.

The program is an initiative of the Victoria Government’s Access for All Abilities program coordinated by Sport and Recreation Victoria.

Blind adventurer chosen as new patron for International Day of People with Disability

International Day of People with Disability

Adventurer and three-time paralympian Gerrard Gosens OAM has been chosen as the 2018 patron for International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD).

This year IDPWD falls on Monday 3 December and will coincide with the 2018 Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Festival (pop that in your diary now).

“Throughout my life I was told, like many other people with disability that things I wanted to achieve were impossible. But I haven’t let that stop me from going after what I wanted, and overcoming obstacles to achieve my goals,” Gosens said.

“Being Patron for International Day of People with Disability is a great opportunity to educate everyday Australians on how much people with disability can achieve when they are given the chance.”

Read the full story on the Pro Bono Australia website

Get Activated, Stay Motivated!

Children playing with circus instruments

Are you looking for a fun and action-packed activity to keep the family busy these school holidays?

The City of Melton is delivering a new initiative targeting children with disabilities these school holidays.

Get Activated, Stay Motivated for all abilities is an exciting holiday activity to engage children in modified sports activities.

When: Wednesday, 11 July

Time: 1pm - 2:30pm (Please arrive at 12:30pm)

Where: Melton Indoor Recreation Centre
209 Coburns Road, Melton

Cost: $6 per child

Register online as bookings are essential or head to the City of Melton website for more information.

It's time to try Chair Yoga!

Elderly people stretching

Are you looking for a new way to get active? 

This specially designed yoga program is for people with mobility issues and uses a chair rather than the floor mat.

Yoga exercises work to develop core strength and improve balance as well as providing techniques for relaxation without having to get onto the floor. All levels of experience are welcome.

When: Every Monday from 16 July - 17 September

Time: 10:45am - 11:45am

Where: Balwyn Community Centre
412 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills 3127

You can find more information on the Balwyn Community Centre website.

Come and try all abilities netball

Come and Try All Abilities Netball

Sandringham and District Netball Association are holding free netball clinics for young people aged 9-15 with disability.

You can take part in specialised netball sessions designed to build your netball skills in a fun and inclusive environment.

When: Every Sunday from 22 July - 23 September

Time: 10-11am

Where: SDNA courts
Thomas Street, Hampton 3188

To register, contact Emily Higgins:

Email: sdnaallabilities@gmail.com
Phone: 0424 428 875

Applications open for the 2019 Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship & Mentoring Program

Sport Australia Hall of Fame logo

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship & Mentoring Program is a unique and valuable program for young Australian athletes.

Since 2006, the program has provided over $350,000 in annual sporting grants to 68 young Australian athletes across 33 sports.

Applications are now open for the 2019 program, which includes:

  • One-on-one personal mentoring by an Inducted SAHOF Member
  • A $5,000 sporting expenses grant
  • On stage presentation of the Scholarship at the SAHOF Induction & Awards Gala Dinner
  • SAHOF Scholarship merchandise pack

The highlight of the program is that each scholarship holder is personally mentored by a member of The Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Applications close TODAY, Monday 9th July so you'll need to be quick.

Head to the SAHOF website for more details about the program and the application process.

Watch the 2018 scholarship holder, Poppy Starr Olsen, explain her experience with mentor, surfing legend Layne Beachley AO.

Junior Balloon Football League inter-school competition

Children in wheelchairs playing balloon football

You're invited to the second annual Junior Balloon Football League inter-school competition!

This special event is a great opportunity to see Junior Balloon Football in action and support young players from across Victoria.

When: Wednesday 22 August, 2018

Time: 11am - 1pm

Where: Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre (MSAC)
30 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park 3206

RSVP: By Monday 13 August, 2018

For more information or to RSVP, contact Jemima Aitchison:

Phone: 0439 635 797
Email: jaitchison@scopeaust.org.au

AFL Wheelchair goes regional

People in wheelchairs playing AFL wheelchair

The first AFL Wheelchair regional come and try session in Traralgon was a huge success last month! 

Held in partnership with AFL VIC, VALID, Gippsport and Hawthorn Football Club, students from Grey Street Primary School and members of the Traralgon Chamber of Commerce and local community all had the chance to hear the stories of athletes with disability and have a go at AFL Wheelchair. 

Everyone who took part had a great time learning about this growing sport and developing their skills in a safe environment.

Q&A disability special

Q&A logo

ABC's Q&A recently aired a disability special where panelists tackled questions about the NDIS and how to create an inclusive society.

The panel of experts and advocates included NDIS founder Bruce Bonyhady and Paralympian Dylan Allcot.

If you missed the episode, it's still available to watch on ABC iview until the 25 July 2018.


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