Starfish Nippers boosts to new heights

MORE than 20 participants with varying disabilities enjoyed summer at the beach during Anglesea SLSC’s popular Starfish Nippers program.

Local volunteers hosted the two-week initiative which catered for children with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorder, down syndrome, asperger’s syndrome, physical and intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties.

The sessions featured traditional beach games, swimming, board paddling, wave catching and beach and surf safety.

Anglesea SLSC Starfish Nippers co-ordinator Matilda Cameron said the 2023-24 program was as popular as ever.

“It was again an excellent season of Starfish Nippers, with so many participants and volunteers alike smiling from ear to ear,” she said.

“The feedback from both nippers and their parents was incredible, and the sheer number of people participating showed us how much of a success it really is.

“The nippers loved getting on the boards, and many also excelled on the sand during the beach flags.

“We will definitely be back on the beach in 2024-25 to continue the program for another season!”

Starfish Nippers programs were also facilitated at Jan Juc SLSC, Point Lonsdale SLSC and Torquay SLSC.

Point Lonsdale SLSC Starfish Nippers coordinator Kate Milburn said the club was really proud of their 2023-24 program, which also concluded on the weekend.

“It’s been a great season for these Nippers and the instructors have been amazing,” she said.

“It was so wonderful to get it up and going again after the pandemic and to see all the happy families and children.

“The Starfish program is such an important element of Point Lonsdale Surf Club being really inclusive, and we hope to keep growing the program.”

For more, head to www.starfishnippers.com.au/