Helping everyone participate

NOTHING brings our community together like sport and now, more than ever before, it’s enabling more people to pick up new skills and make valuable social connections.

As Council’s Sports & Recreation chair, I have the pleasure of visiting clubs across Greater Geelong.

One thing that has struck me is the great lengths our clubs go to in order to increase participation and promote access and inclusion.

I recently attended the Geelong Thunder BMX open day, where aspiring riders were encouraged to make the most of the jumps track at Grinter Reserve in Moolap.

A highlight of this event was the partnership struck between the Thunder and Geelong Stars All Abilities Sports Club.

Only established last year, the Stars have done a tremendous job offering programs that help young people with disability learn skills, boost their confidence, and develop social connection across a range of different sporting codes. BMX is the latest offering.

Stars volunteers have been hard at work building a “sidehack” which can be attached to a BMX bike. This allows Stars participants to accompany an accomplished Geelong Thunder BMX rider as they sprint around the jumps track.

It was incredibly rewarding to watch these young people – who may have never had the opportunity otherwise – experience the thrilling adrenaline of BMX riding.

This is one of the many fantastic all-abilities initiatives taking flight in Greater Geelong and it’s encouraging to see so many sports clubs creating all-abilities teams and programs.

The City is also a proud partner of the Sport4All program.

This important initiative gives people with disability the opportunity to participate in grassroots and school sports when, where and how they choose.

Since March 2022, the City has engaged more than 450 clubs, schools and sporting organisations through Sport4All.

If you are a volunteer or administrator of a sports club visit geelongaustralia.com.au/sport4all to learn more.

To support programs like this, inclusivity is a key consideration for all our new sporting infrastructure being built across the region.

Accessibility is a major component in the construction of a new pavilion at Landy Field – Geelong’s premier athletics venue.

The new floorplan incorporates accessible facilities including toilets, an elevator and an improved ramp to the running track, ensuring all users can experience better access.

In Geelong’s north, Stead Park’s hockey centre upgrades are also being built with accessibility in mind, as are pavilion upgrades to Windsor Park in Norlane.

And in Newtown, Elderslie Reserve’s change rooms are currently in the design phase and, once complete, will have the facilities to cater to all abilities.

These join a suite of upgraded facilities across the region that will help more young people get into sport.

Social connection is priceless, and outside of our sports clubs, I have had the privilege of attending a range of events promoting inclusion and a greater sense of belonging for all our residents.

I recently attended a cooking workshop hosted by the Polish Community Association at White Eagle House.

Supported by a Connected Communities Grant, the program ran over 13 sessions, with 52 participants coming together to learn how to make 24 traditional Polish recipes.

This program was all about passing down traditions to new generations, sharing knowledge and strengthening ties in our community.

The inspiring work being done by our sports clubs and community groups paints a clear picture: Greater Geelong is committed to ensuring that every single person has the chance to participate, connect and thrive.

As always, I am happy to speak to anyone on Inclusive sports programsCouncil-related matters – phone 0455 532 006 or email [email protected]

Cr Eddy Kontelj

Hamlyn Heights Ward,

City of Greater Geelong