DSNT Update
This term was a busy one for Disability Sports Northern Territory (DSNT) as we made significant strides in promoting inclusive sports across regions. Here are the highlights of our activities:
We partnered with Golf NT and School Sports whilst visiting the Tiwi Islands to deliver school clinics and one-on-one sessions. We also collaborated with AFL Auskick sessions to enhance future pathway opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. These collaborations have enhanced engagement opportunities for people with disabilities. In addition to this, many discussions and planning sessions with other organisations were held for future programs.
[Image ID - 3 images from DSNT’s visit to the Tiwi Islands. 1. A child in a red shirt and blue shorts holding a golf club on a small patch of fake grass, about to hit the golf ball. 2. A group image of participants and facilitators on a concrete outdoor basketball court, sitting in front of a basketball ring. 3. A group image of participants and facilitators all smiling at the camera, with some participants holding a thumbs up.]
In Alice Springs, we engaged with Acacia School and promoted our initiatives on 102.1 Community Radio, which is run by individuals with disabilities in the area. We also supported the AFL program "Footy for Life”, which involved 54 participants with disabilities, and had assistance from AFL staff and the Melbourne Demons. We worked closely with local AFL staff to develop strategies for sustained engagement of students with disabilities. On top of this, we met with key stakeholders to plan upcoming programs.
[Image ID - 5 images from the '“Footy for Life” program in Alice Springs. 1. A participant with his leg in the air, looking beyond the camera after kicking a ball into the distance. 2. A participant in a blue shirt with their back to the camera, pointing both arms outwards after their turn. 3. A group of participants making their way through the crowd, all smiling away from the camera. 4. A participant and a member of Melbourne Demons facing the camera and holding a packaged Melbourne Demons jacket. 5. A participant in a wheelchair with their arms out, behind a soft training post.]
Our team supported an Athletics Carnival in Ngukurr, conducting three sport classes for 43 students, focusing on motor skills, coordination, and teamwork. Despite attendance challenges due to the Barunga Festival, we saw strong engagement from school attendees. Here, we also collaborated with school staff and local providers to plan future support initiatives.
[Image ID - 4 images from the athletics carnival in Ngukurr. 1. A group image of participants with their arms in the air in 3 different coloured shirts. 2. An image of three participants all smiling at the camera, one in a yellow shirt, one in blue, and one in red. 3. An image of two participants smiling at the camera both in red shirts. 4. An image of three participants smiling at the camera and holding up fabric sacks of various colours.]
We also laid the foundations of our work in Katherine, meeting local Sport Teachers to discuss future programs, including Olympic and Paralympic pathways. Follow-up meetings are scheduled to further develop and implement these programs across schools in the region.
We are excited about the progress made and look forward to continuing our mission of making sports accessible for everyone.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Max Reilly
Participation and Communications Coordinator
