Inclusive sports day at Ken Kay

AS many as 100 people will converge on Ballarat Badminton Association’s Ken Kay Stadium in Dowling Street today when Freedom Solutions Australia hosts a sports day for people with disabilities.

The All-Stars: Inclusive Community Sports Day will run from 10.30am to 1.30pm and will feature biking, bocce, archery, soccer and cricket, with all equipment supplied.

The sports day is one of a series in New South Wales and Victoria. Freedom Solutions has run the program annually for the past four years.

Event coordinator Ross Patel said three events had just been held on the New South Wales Central Coast, in Newcastle and Wollongong before moving to Bendigo yesterday, Ballarat today, and the Mornington Peninsula and Geelong next week.

He said the sports days, funded by an NDIS grant, would also be run in the same regions during the April school holidays.

“We have had a good response in New South Wales,” Mr Patel said. “The people involved in care – the parents, the caregivers, the occupational therapists – also enjoy the events as well.

“It’s a fun day for all.”

Mr Patel said the sports days could cater for up to 100 participants, with about 50 already registered for the Ballarat event by early this week and more expected to have signed up before today.

Freedom Solutions is a not-for-profit organisation operating in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania providing assistive technology solutions for people living with a disability and seniors.

Mr Patel said the sports days are open to anyone with a disability, of any age.

“There’s something for everyone; we even have an arts and crafts table for those that would just like to have some chill time and unleash their creativity,” he said.

Light refreshments will also be available.