May 2018

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

National Disability Sports Conference

National Disability Sports Conference

We're very excited to announce our first ever National Disability Sports Conference (NDSC).

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.

If you or your organisation is interested in sponsoring the conference, please get in touch.

Have you nominated someone yet?

Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2018 Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards.

The awards recognise the achievements of people with disability, those who support them and the inclusive sport and recreation sector across the state.

It’s an opportunity to celebrate the athletes, volunteers, officials, coaches, clubs, communities, venues and programs that enable and empower people with disability to get active and achieve their goals.

Are you an athlete or team with disability that’s kicked some big goals over the last 12 months?

Do you know a coach, official or volunteer that’s made a difference to you, your community, club or organisation and helped Victorians with disability get active?

Now is the time to nominate them for an award.

We want to discover and recognise our unsung heroes and rising stars and celebrate what’s truly great about accessible and inclusive sport and recreation in Victoria.

This year we've updated the criteria and guidelines to make it easier for people to nominate. Our handy nominations guide will take you through everything you need to know about the 2018 Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards.

The award categories, nomination guide and nomination forms are available on our website.

Remember, applications close midnight Sunday 27 May, 2018.

If you need help, call (03) 9473 0133 or email info@dsr.org.au

PS would your business or organisation like to sponsor the awards? Get in touch and we can send you a sponsorship proposal.

AFL Wheelchair is go!

Group of people playing Wheelchair AFL

After much anticipation, Round 1 of the inaugural Robert Rose Foundation Victorian Wheelchair Football League (VWFL) took place on Sunday.

Boroondara Sports Complex hosted a full house of eager fans as Collingwood took on Essendon and Richmond took on Hawthorn.

Our super photographer, Ian Spence, captured all the action for us. Take a look on our Facebook page.

You can keep up to date with the season fixture and results on the league website.

Watch:

A profile on captain of the St Kilda wheelchair football team, Marcus Sander

Captain of the Collingwood wheelchair football team, Brendan Stroud, on the AFL 360 show

Listen:

Captain of the Collingwood wheelchair football team, Brendan Stroud, on MMM Hot Breakfast

Read:

Essendon wheelchair football player, Caleb Logan, in the Bendigo Advertiser

Thank you Lions Club of Boroondara Central

A man and a woman shaking hands. In front of them are three sports wheelchairs. A man is sitting in one of the chairs.

A huge thank you to the Lions Club of Boroondara Central, whose recent donation allowed us to buy three new sports chairs.

These chairs now have a permanent home at Boroondara Sports Complex, to support players in the new Robert Rose Foundation Victorian Wheelchair Football League and other activities at the complex.

Pictured here is Athena Doumas from Lions Club of Boroondara Central, presenting the chairs to Richard Amon, CEO Disability Sport & Recreation and Peter Ogunyemi, captain of the Hawthorn wheelchair team. 

DSR Kids Hospital Program

Group of children taking part in an athletics rehabilitation session

Our DSR Kids Hospital Program is off to a flying start this year.

Through this program we work with the Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service to give kids with disability, who are patients of the Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash Children’s Hospital, the opportunity to get active.

Each month, the kids get to try a different sport that is delivered by a State Sporting Association representative in the hospital’s rehabilitation gym. Therapists create an inclusive space so every kid can take part to their full potential.

So far this year the kids have experienced tennis, AFL, athletics and gymnastics.

Pictured here are the kids enjoying the session presented by Athletics Victoria this week at the Royal Children's Hospital.

You can also watch a video about the work that the Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service does on their website.

A massive thank you to all our donors who gave so generously to our DSR Kids Hospital Program campaign this year. We also thank the State Sporting Associations who give up their time to make sure the program is a success. 

Member update

Girl and a boy holding up certificates

Through our new partnership with Richmond Football Club, some of our junior members had the opportunity to take part in the Richmond Guard of Honour at the Richmond v Fremantle game last Sunday.

Pictured here are DSR members Freya and her brother Finley, proudly holding their guard of honour certificates. It looks like you had an amazing day!

Do you have any news or photos that you'd like to share with other members? Send them through to Melanie – we love to hear from our members!

Get active with these People Outdoors camps

Child in wheelchair being assisted during camp activity

We proudly partner with People Outdoors to provide recreational camps for our members.

This May and June, People Outdoors is running two overnight NDIS camps full of exciting, thrill-seeking activities to provide people with disability the means to experience recreational adventures.

Sat 20 - Sun 21 May, 2018
Overnight camp for children aged 6 to 12 years
Where: Anglesea Recreation Camp

Sat 23 - Sun 24 June, 2018
Overnight camp for teenagers aged 13 to 18 years
Where: Camp Manyung, Mount Eliza

For more information about the cost of the camps, contact peopleoutdoors@auscamps.asn.au or call (03) 9863 6824.

Places are limited and filling up fast so be sure to book as soon as possible!

You can find more information about the camps on our website or head to the People Outdoors website to find out if you or someone you know is eligible to take part in a camp.

Melbourne Wheelchair Rugby Invitational

Group of people playing wheelchair rugby

Last month saw the success of the inaugural Melbourne Wheelchair Invitational. The event focused on three days of skill development and competitive spirit as five teams of players representing Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia battled it out for the esteemed title.

Friday consisted of the ETU Challenge which gave emerging players the opportunity to develop their skills. Big congratulations to Thomas Klein, Josh Hose, Matt Selton and Mark Leslie who were named as the ETU Challenge All Stars.

The formal competition kicked off on Saturday with players from the Australian Wheelchair Rugby team providing some fierce competition that resulted in a close final between GIO NSW Blue and VIC Protect Thunder. The nail-biter culminated in a 1 point win for GIO NSW Blue and saw them take out the tournament's prestigious first place title.

Big congratulations to Chad Graham for being named Best New Talent and Jayden Warn for taking out the title of Most Valuable Player.

Our great photographer, Ian Spence captured all of the action from the tournament. Head to the Wheelchair Rugby Victoria Facebook page to check it out. 

Thank you to all the players, officials, referees, score keepers, coaches, support crew, volunteers, family and friends for joining in and ensuring that the event was a success.

Missed out on the action? Head to our website to watch the live stream from the games.

Thank you to Protect, ETU, Victoria Government and Quest Caroline Springs for sponsoring and supporting the event.

Friday night rugby!

Group of men playing wheelchair rugby

Our local Protect Victorian Wheelchair Rugby Cup competition is stepping outside of its usual Monday night home at Aqualink in Box Hill for two games at Casey Stadium this month.

When: Friday 11 and Friday 25 May, 2018

Time: First game at 7pm

Where: Casey Stadium, 65 Berwick Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne.

Don't forget that the final for season one will be held on Saturday 2 June, 2018 from 11:30am. You can find more details on our website

Do you live in Echuca and want to have a go at wheelchair rugby?

We have a come and try session just for you next week!

We welcome all ages, gender and skill level and have spare sports chairs for those who have never tried wheelchair rugby before – all you need to bring is your enthusiasm!

When: Saturday 19 May, 2018

Time: 2-4pm

Where: Echuca Basketball Stadium, 244 High Street South, Echuca

For more information, contact Christian Brackley on 0402 322 851.

Lynne celebrates 25 years with us!

Woman cutting a cake

It's starting to look like 2018 is the year for milestones, with another of our dedicated fundraising staff members celebrating their 25 year work anniversary with us this month. And who doesn't like an excuse for cake?

Lynne has been an integral part of the Disability Sport & Recreation fundraising team and her passion and level of commitment to her role has been unwavering.

Her dedication to fundraising for our organisation is greatly appreciated, not just by us, but the donors she has built long standing relationships with over the years.

From all of us – thank you Lynne!

AFL Wheelchair open skills sessions

Man in a wheelchair holding a football

Have you been following the stories about the Victorian Wheelchair Football League (VWFL) and want to get involved?

It's never too late!

There are two open skills sessions coming up where you can try  AFL Wheelchair first hand and learn some of the skills.

You don't need any previous experience and we'll provide sports chairs if you don't have your own.

By taking part in these sessions, you also have the opportunity to be drafted to the VWFL mid-season.

When:

  • Sunday 24 June, 2018
  • Sunday 29 July, 2018

Time: 11am-1pm

Where: Boroondara Sports Complex, 271C Belmore Road Balwyn North

Register your interest in coming along by filling out the online form.

If you have any questions, you can email Ayden Shaw or call him on (03) 9473 0133.

A Pararoos Development Centre has arrived

Pararoos Development Centre promotional flyer

The Official Pathway Program to the Pararoos was such a huge success in NSW this year, that it is now coming to Victoria.

The Pararoos Development Centre will open at the Small Sided Football Association in July 2018.

The centre will give footballers with Cerebal Palsy, Acquired Brain Injury and stroke related symptoms the opportunity to develop their individual skills with help from official Pararoo players.

When: Sunday 1 July, 2018

Time: 10am - 1pm depending on your age group

Where: Soccer5s Dandenong, 29 Brindley Street, Dandenong South

Cost: Free for all players

Register your interest with Jack Gillibrand by:

Alphington All Abilities Bowls Program

Group of people playing bowls

Are you interested in trying out a new sport? Does lawn bowls sound like the perfect activity to get you moving?

Then the Alphington All Abilities (AAA) program is just what you need!

The AAA Bowls program is open to adults of different abilities to increase access to recreation and social activities in the community.

Alphington Bowls club members generously volunteer their time to help people in the community with bowling techniques, skills and equipment. 

When: The program runs for six weeks starting Thurs 3 May

Time: 10am-12pm

Where: Alphington Bowls Club, 29 Parkview Road Alphington

Cost: The sessions are free and a healthy morning tea will be provided.

It is essential that people have a carer or a support worker if they need assistance.

For more information, please call (03) 9499 7227 or head to the Alphington Community Centre website to enrol in the AAA program.

AllPlay Dance research study opportunity

AllPlay Dance

The Deakin Child Study Centre is looking for people to help with a research study that explores the benefits, barriers and facilitators to children with disability taking part in dance.

The information collected from the research will help build AllPlay Dance, a digital inclusive resource that will enable children of all abilities to participate in dance.

The Deakin Child Study Centre is looking for:

  • Parents or guardians of children with disability aged between 1 and 18 years who currently participate in dance, have participated in the past, or would like to in the future.
  • Dance schools or companies.
  • Dance teachers who provide dance programs that include children with disability, either currently or in the past.

You will be asked to fill out an online survey which takes about 15 minutes. Children can also do a shorter, five minute survey. If you feel more comfortable doing a short phone interview, this can be arranged.

For more information, please call (03) 9246 8605 or email Dr. Tamara May or Emily Chan.

Bendigo Wheelchair Basketball Tournament

A basketball

The Wheelchair Braves tournament is happening Sunday 20 May, 2018 from 10am.

The tournament has a Competition division (Div 1) and Participation division (Div 2) so both experienced and beginner teams can take part.

This should be a great opportunity for players and teams to come together and get involved in some wheelchair basketball games.

If you have any questions please get in touch with Daniel Nancarrow from Bendigo Stadium Limited.

ATSA Independent Living Expo 2018

ATSA Independent Living Expo

The ATSA Independent Living Expo is an all-inclusive event for people with disability, seniors, allied health professionals, rehabilitation providers and interested members of the public.

The event will feature more than 150 exhibitors displaying a wide range of products and services in assistive technology, accessible sport and recreation solutions, mobility solutions and more.

ATSA Independent Living Expo is open to visitors of all ages, including those with a disability, seniors and their families, friends and carers.

Admission is free to therapists, the general public, end users and ATSA members.

When: Wednesday 16 May (8:30am-4:00pm)
             Thursday 17 May (8:30am-3:00pm)

Where: Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Road Ascot Vale

Head to the ATSA Independent Living Expo website for more information about the event and how to register.

All Abilities AFL Training Sessions Banyule Football Club

Banyule Football Club

Ready to kick it? All abilities AFL football training has started at Banyule Junior Football Club.

When: Tuesdays 6-7pm

Where: Beverley Road Oval, Heidelberg

Cost: Free

Tea and coffee will be provided for parents.

For more information, contact Rebecca Mayne on 0413 343 988.

Sport Access Foundation Round 2 Grant Applications Open

A boy with medals around his neck after winning his swimming meets

Round 2 of the Grants for the Sport Access Foundation have now opened!

Three grants worth $2,000 are available for young Australians with a physical or intellectual disability aged 7-17 to help them take part in sport and achieve the best of their abilities in their chosen activity.

This year a fourth grant is available for an Indigenous child with disability living in the Northern Territory.

To apply for a grant, head to the application page on the Sport Access Foundation website.

You can also read about previous grant recipients on the Sport Access Foundation website.

Grant applications close at midnight (AEST) on Friday 29 June and recipients will be announced on Thursday 4 October 2018.


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