Maitland is about to host a netball tournament unlike any other.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The All Abilities Netball Competition, which will kick off on May 6, is open to all local people aged 5 to 16 living with a disability.
Though people outside the age bracket who wish to take part are also encouraged to contact organisers.
The competition is the result of a partnership between Ability Links NSW, disability service provider Endeavour and Maitland Netball Association.
The groups hope the weekly event will give people with a disability the chance to exercise, develop skills and reap all the benefits that come with team sports.
“Participating in sport or exercise has a proven positive influence on the overall health and wellbeing of someone living with a disability,” Endeavour group regional leader Rebecca Curtis said.
Participating in sport or exercise has a proven positive influence on the overall health and wellbeing of someone living with a disability.
- Rebecca Curtis
“A sport such as netball can improve a participant’s balance, coordination and muscle strength.
“Playing within a team is an awesome way for people living with a disability to build their self confidence and social skills”.
The competition will run weekly, on Saturday mornings from 9am until 10am, at Maitland netball courts.
Maitland Netball Association’s Nicola Young said she was extremely excited about the new division of netball about to be offered to the community.
“Sport is such a great way for people to connect with others and feel like they belong to something,” Ms Young said.
“Maitland Netball Association are the biggest female sporting organisation in the area.
“And this new competition is the chance for us to partner with people living with a disability in Maitland to create opportunities for making new friends and learning valuable skills such as teamwork.
“We have chosen to partner with local community groups such as Endeavour Group Australia and Ability Links to ensure that the netball competition is a success and we can reach as many local people living with a disability as possible.”
Endeavour Group Australia is a not-for-profit community organisation providing services for people with disabilities throughout the Hunter Region NSW.
Anyone interested in joining the competition should contact Ms Curtis (from the Endeavour Group) on 0447 387 944 or Nicola Young (from the Maitland Netball Association) on 0438 347 930.
