The South Coast Basketball Club, located in Eurobodalla Shire Council, is thrilled to promote an upcoming local basketball event for Special Olympics Clubs. This event is a fantastic opportunity for interested players to showcase their skills and passion for the game.
In collaboration with Gymnastics Australia, Special Olympics Australia aims to foster inclusivity and increase participation pathways for people with intellectual disabilities. Over the next three years, these two organisations will join forces to integrate Special Olympics competitions into state gymnastics competitions, promoting the development of physical literacy among participants.
Physical literacy, which encompasses foundational movement skills and other capabilities, is crucial in encouraging individuals to lead active lives. Gymnastics Australia firmly believes that gymnastics is a sport for people of all abilities. It equips individuals with the necessary skills and experiences to enhance their physical literacy, instilling confidence and motivation to stay active.
A significant aspect of this partnership is leveraging the Australian Government's Sporting Schools initiative, which provides a specially adapted program for students with intellectual disability. This initiative builds upon the success of the Young Athletes program, piloted by Special Olympics Australia and Gymnastics Australia. The program, designed to develop fundamental movement skills through play-based activities, has already reached over 640 participants in NSW, the ACT, and Victoria since its inception in 2018.
This partnership brings immense benefits for both parties involved. Special Olympics clubs gain access to top-notch facilities and qualified coaches, which can sometimes be challenging for them to access. Gymnastics clubs, on the other hand, are always on the lookout for programs to run during quieter periods, making this collaboration a win-win situation. The ultimate goal is to expand the Young Athletes program nationwide, offering recreational gymnastics to young children with intellectual disabilities, enabling a seamless transition into Gymnastics Australia's Kindergym program or Special Olympics club training.
For more information about the Young Athletes program, be sure to visit the SOA Learn and Gymnastics Australia webpages. You can also view the Memorandum of Understanding with Gymnastics Australia by following the provided link.
Special Olympics Australia is committed to improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through the transformative power of sport. Their dedicated network of volunteers creates accessible sports training, coaching, and more to support a better life for individuals with intellectual disabilities. By ensuring their active participation in sports, Special Olympics Australia aims to foster holistic athlete well-being.
Don't miss out on this incredible basketball event hosted by the South Coast Basketball Club, in partnership with Special Olympics Australia. Grab your basketball gear, show off your skills, and join in the fun! See you there!
