Helping make sport more inclusive

Two people with disabilities have registered to play rugby league in the Pilbara after the sport was included for the first time in the Inclusion WA school holiday program.

National Rugby League Pilbara game development officer Chris Newman said it was great to be part of the program.

“Rugby league always promotes itself as a game for all, no matter what your background is or your disability,” he said.

“I just thought it was very important for Pilbara rugby league and the NRL to get involved and put a strong message out there that rugby league is a game for all and we want to promote that in the community.”

Newman said it was great to have the two children taking part in the season proper.

“Highlighting the game for all, there was one child who had a mild case of MS who is now registered to play rugby league as well as one child who has an eye condition as well,” he said.

Newman said they had committed to taking part in the next school holiday program in July with one session being held in Wickham and the other in Karratha.

“It will definitely continue and I think it’s something that needs to as well,” he said.

Inclusion WA Sport and Community development manager Denver D’Cruz said the program was aimed at bringing the whole community together.

“It’s great to see participants, volunteers, parents and even grandparents getting involved in the sessions and developing their skills, confidence and most importantly, making positive connections in the local community," he said. “For those that are marginalised in some way, getting involved in a club or group can be quite daunting.

“This program is all about providing opportunities to learn the basic skills and to make new friends in a safe and welcoming environment, this is a great pathway into a range of local clubs and groups.”

The club involvement from the Karratha Broncos and Karratha Storm was welcomed by Newman.

“The support they put towards it, the volunteers that came down and helped … it was really good and it sort of highlighted what the clubs want to offer the local communities,” he said.

Lawn bowls, swimming and Tball sessions are also held as part of the program.