Mercedes College is involved in a pilot programme through WA All Abilities Football, leading the way in promoting inclusiveness in sport.
Through partnerships, the programme uses football to promote physical activity to those with a disability. The programme, which is open to boys and girls from 9 to 16 years of age, runs for four weeks in support units of mainstream schools or Ed Support schools as an introduction to AFL for students and teachers.
Using modified sporting rules gives everyone the chance to play Australia’s game.
Mercedes College has eight students in the programme that started in Term 2.
They play twice weekly and learn basic skills, including kicking, handball, and working as a team – all the foundational skills required for AFL.
On Tuesday, 25 May, the Hon Dr Tony Buti (Minister for Finance, Lands, Sport & Recreation, Citizenship and Multi-Cultural Interests) visited the school to see the programme in action.
The Minister’s daughter also graduated from the Catholic school in 2011 and is passionate about inclusivity in sport.
Mercedes College Principal Kerrie Fraser said the programme was “a great success”.
“The joy on the girls faces when they see what they can achieve with a ball or football is very special”.
At the end of the programme, the girls participated in the #nolimits ACC Inclusion Carnival against 10 other schools on 4 June. More than 150 students attended.