Leisure Networks close in on state honours

A LOCAL disability and support organisation is in the running for a prestigious state honour at the 2023 Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards.

Leisure Networks has been nominated for the Sport and Recreation Victoria Sport Initiative of the Year for the success of the inaugural All Abilities Football Netball League.

The competition focused on celebrating diversity, inclusion and community opportunity on a local scale.

It provided more than 100 people of differing abilities the chance to play football in the Greater Geelong region.

Since 2011, the Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards have recognised the achievements of people with disabilities and those who support them and the inclusive sport and recreation sector across the state.

This year’s awards celebrate activities over a 12-month period from July 2022 to July 2023.

Leisure Networks program coordinator, Luke Maher said the organisation were rapt with achieving finalist status.

“It is a real honour to be selected as a finalist, along with AFL Barwon, for this year’s Victorian Disability Sport & Recreation Awards.

“While we’ve been nominated for the work we have done in getting the league up off the ground, this is really an award for all the players and the coaches who put in the effort every week training and competing.

“It’s been years in the making, with the Geelong Dragons playing in the FIDA competition since 2018 and all the work the different clubs have done in opening up All Abilities opportunities.

“Being a finalist is great, but for me the real highlight was seeing the players go onto the field at Kardinia Park Stadium in April when we first kicked off the league.

“This award really helps validate what we do every day and the importance of the league for so many players and their support networks.”

Leisure Networks are one of three finalists for Sport Initiative of the Year.

Winners will be announced on October 3 at Marvel Stadium.

For more, head to www.dsr.org.au/vdsr-awards