Staff from the Disability Royal Commission recently met with the Gold Coast Titan’s Leagueability team to hear how its participation program has changed their lives.
The community inclusion program for people with intellectual or physical disability began in 2018 and now supports over 60 players across four different teams.
Senior advisor to the Royal Commission, Dr Dinesh Palipana, attended in his role as Titans’ new ambassador. He said Leagueability was a great example of inclusion that should be taken up by more clubs and communities. “Through the club we are challenging broader public perceptions of what it means to live with a disability and seeing those positive impacts not just in the lives of the players but beyond too.”
Gold Coast Titan’s chairman Dennis Watt said it was fantastic to witness the growth of the players and their love for the sport. “For some of the team members, this is the first time they have been involved in a sport. Hopefully this inspires other people with disability to take part so they can also gain the benefits, and our program inspires more sporting associations to develop similar programs.”
Participants at the event, including players, family and carers, had the opportunity to share their stories with the Royal Commission.
The Commission’s engagement team has been travelling across states and territories to speak with various members of the community and stakeholder groups since the establishment of the Royal Commission in April 2019. It is accepting submissions until December 31, 2022.
Anyone can participate in sharing their views. Go to: Submissions
Image: Dennis Watt with a Leagueability team member