NETBALL WA’s specialised program for children with an intellectual disability is set to begin in Langford this week.
The No Limits Netball program provides kids over the age of 11 with intellectual disabilities the chance to play in a fun environment.
It involves six weeks of after-school training and culminates in a statewide carnival between the five participating associations in June.
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READ NOWSouthern Districts Netball Association (SDNA) is participating in the full program for the first time this year having introduced a smaller program last year.
SDNA development officer Bev Gallagher said the association was looking forward to hosting the initiative.
“We used to have two grades of people playing with disabilities many years ago and we’d really like to get that running again,” she said.
“It’s definitely more inclusive for our association and it’s good for our kids to work alongside people with disabilities as well.”
Netball WA community engagement manager Amy Fuller said No Limits was a great way to introduce children living with an intellectual disability to the game in a safe environment.
“Primarily, it’s a fantastic opportunity for people with intellectual disability to be engaged in a club environment and develop social inclusion skills and make sure they feel part of the sport and culture,” she said.
She said some players would have the opportunity to represent the state in the Marie Little OAM Shield, a national tournament for netballers with intellectual disabilities, which Perth is hosting in September.
“Half the players who played in the shield (last year) had played in the carnival and the other half had played in No Limits last year,” she said.
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