The Wheelchair Sports NSW  Roadshow came to the school thanks to a NSW Office of Sport and Recreation Disability Grant to Upper Hunter Shire Council.

Council’s sports participation officer Nicky Western said the event was part of a wider awareness program about making sports and other recreation activities more accessible to people with disability.

“The young people learned how wheelchair basketball is harder than it looks, but the real message was how easy it can be to to run sports activities that include more people,” she said.

“Sport benefits everyone in the community, regardless of ability. I encourage anyone involved in sport to learn some of the simple changes that can make your club more inclusive.”

The Roadshow raises awareness of wheelchair sport, creates a greater understanding of people with disabilities, encourages acceptance and integration, and includes associated road safety messages

Scone High School sports teacher Clare Trimble said the Roadshow was very engaging and lots of fun for the students.

“(Presenter) Brendon Talbott was great, he was very informative and passionate about wheelchair sports,” she said.

“He placed great emphasis on the fact that wheelchair sports are fun and rewarding, however, that life in a wheelchair is extremely challenging and spoke to our students about everyday life in a wheelchair.

“He encouraged the students to think about risk taking activities and he placed emphasis on the importance of looking out for one another.

“I would recommend the Wheelchair Basketball Roadshow to all schools.

“It’s such a great experience for students to gain insight into life with a disability and to be appreciative of the opportunities they are given.”

The All Ability Futsal competition, council held earlier this year, was another initiative funded through the Disability Grant.

Ten young people participated in the competition.

The players were mentored by three high school students who joined in the game and shared their skills.

For more information contact council’s sports participation officer Nicky Western onnwestern@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au or 0414 806 074