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Starfish Nippers boosts to new heights

January 11, 2024 BY

Lisa Howden and Sophie Grills getting participant Lucy Wilson into the water at Anglesea Beach. Photo: FIONA SEXTON PHOTOGRAPHY

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.

Trainer Paddy Byrne with Nipper Will Garon. Photo: FIONA SEXTON PHOTOGRAPHY

 

Trainer Jodie Mitchell and Nipper Zara Avola entering the water. Photo: FIONA SEXTON PHOTOGRAPHY

 

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!”

 

More than 20 participants took part in the two-week summer Starfish Nippers program. Photo: FIONA SEXTON PHOTOGRAPHY

 

Participant Zara Avola. Photo: FIONA SEXTON PHOTOGRAPHY

 

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.

The Starfish Nippers program also wrapped up at Point Lonsdale SLSC over the weekend. Photo: SUPPLIED

 

“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/

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