Presented by Tennis West, students of John XXIII College celebrated International Day of People with Disability on Thursday 3 December by participating in an experiential session of wheelchair and vision impaired tennis.
The team from Tennis West delivered wheelchair and vision impaired tennis activities for students from years seven to ten. Modifying all aspects of the game including equipment and scoring, mainstream students buddied with students from the Mary Ward Educational Program which provides inclusive education for students with disabilities.
Delivered as part of Tennis Australia’s three-year partnership with the Movement Disorder Foundation (MDF), the day celebrated the United Nations observed day for International Day of People with Disability, whilst aiming to expose students to the opportunities for inclusion in tennis, irrespective of ability or disability.
Tennis West Project Lead for Inclusion, Paula Gates, says the day was visiting John XXIII College was a celebration of achievements, contributions and abilities of all.
“The team at Tennis West are dedicated to showcasing that tennis really can be played and enjoyed by everyone,”
“Irrespective of ability and when the equipment and rules are modified accordingly, tennis can be enjoyed by everyone,”
“Wheelchair tennis is one of the better known adaptations that accommodates the different needs of players. But with some modifications to equipment and rules, tennis can also be enjoyed by people who are visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing or who have Autism or an intellectual disability,”
“Tennis is a fantastic sport and it’s wonderful to see it being enjoyed by so many,”
Celebrated internationally, the United Nations observed day aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.
The Movement Disorder Foundation partnered with Tennis Australia in 2019 in a bid to get kids across Australia with disabilities more active.
To find out more about how Tennis embraces diversity and aims to make the sport welcoming, safe and inclusive for everyone, head to www.tennis.com.au/play/inclusion-and-diversity
Mary Ward Educational Program
John XXIII College is proud to offer an inclusive education for students with disabilities enrolled in the Primary and Secondary settings. The Mary Ward Educational Program has a long history within the College and is an integral component of the College’s culture and future.
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