Special Olympics Clubs – Southern Tasmania, a basketball club in Hobart, is excited to promote a local basketball event designed specifically for players with intellectual disabilities. This event is in partnership with Special Olympics Australia and Gymnastics Australia, who have joined forces to enhance inclusion in sports for people with intellectual disabilities.
Over the next three years, these organisations will be collaborating on various initiatives to increase participation pathways and integrate Special Olympics competitions into state gymnastics competitions. They have been working closely together for the past three years, promoting and delivering inclusive sport programs that focus on developing participants' physical literacy.
Through this partnership, Gymnastics Australia aims to provide more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get involved in the wonderful sport of gymnastics and fall in love with it. It's an exciting venture that aims to create a space for everyone to enjoy and excel in sports.
One of the key commitments of this partnership is to offer a specifically adapted program for students with intellectual disabilities through the Australian Government's Sporting Schools initiative. By leveraging this initiative, Gymnastics Australia and Special Olympics Australia hope to provide a tailored program that caters to the needs of these students.
Additionally, the partnership extends and updates the memorandum of understanding under which Special Olympics Australia has been piloting its Young Athletes program. This play-based program is designed to help children aged two to eight, both with and without intellectual disabilities, develop fundamental movement skills. Accredited coaches in Gymnastics Australia who have completed the Young Athletes coaching course deliver these programs, which have already reached around 640 participants in NSW, the ACT, and Victoria.
The alliance between Special Olympics Australia and Gymnastics Australia benefits both parties. Special Olympics Clubs now have access to top-notch facilities and qualified coaches, while Gymnastics clubs have a fantastic opportunity to run inclusive programs during quieter times.
Moving forward, the partnership will continue to grow the Young Athletes program nationally, providing recreational gymnastics for young children with intellectual disabilities. This serves as a stepping stone into Gymnastics Australia's Kindergym program or Special Olympics club training, opening up doors for these children to further explore and excel in the world of gymnastics.
Special Olympics Clubs – Southern Tasmania is thrilled to be a part of this partnership and to offer an inclusive basketball event. It's an excellent opportunity for interested players to come together, play basketball, and showcase their skills. So, mark your calendars and join us for a day filled with excitement, teamwork, and the joy of basketball!
(Note: This is a fictional response and is not representative of any real sports club or events in Southern Tasmania)
