Athletics Bendigo will launch a program later this month for people with intellectual disabilities.
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General manager of Athletics Bendigo Craig Green said to have an all inclusive athletics program was long overdue.
“We have discussed the potential for this program for a long time, it has been in the pipeline for the last 18 months,” Mr Green said.
“Many of those in our community that have a disability maybe disadvantaged in not being able to participate in organised activities that develop gross motor skills.
“This program reinforces within our community the importance of giving participants the opportunity to use skills where they run, jump and throw to improve their motor skills.”
The new program will be open to all ages and one of Mr Green’s goals is for the participants to have fun in a non-competitive environment.
“Whether you have an intellectual disability or not, everyone enjoys being able to walk, run, throw or jump into the sand,” Mr Green said.
“The program also encourages social interaction, a sense of achievement and most of all to have fun.”
Bendigo Athletics is also on the lookout for potential sponsors of the program as well as coaches to get involved in assisting the participants.
“We would love to have a sponsor and name for this program and be able to assist fitting out the participants with their own program T-shirt.
“To belong to a club is an important facet of life in Australia and we are sure the participants would wear a uniform with pride.”
The program also endeavours to hold activities unrelated to athletics to help the participants with skill development.
“To be able to allow everyone who has an intellectual disability an all inclusive environment within our community is vital,” Mr Green said.
The program will commence on Friday June 22 at the La Trobe University Athletics Complex and will operate in weekly sessions which will run between 45 minutes and one hour.
For more information please visit https://www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=30507.
