What Ability Day at WA Athletics Stadium
Sunday 4th of August marked the second year that NDIS provider What Ability took over WA Athletics Stadium for their free community event; What Ability Day Perth.
The event hosted over 150 people, celebrating all abilities and having fun on the field with their favourite local athletes like Jai Culley (West Coast Eagles), Josh Rotham (West Coast Eagles), Amy Franklin (West Coast Eagles), Isabella Lewis (West Coast Eagles) and Tom Robertson (Western Force).
Thanks to the support of their Major Partners, AAMI, Harvey Norman, Optus, Shaw and Partners and Tyrepower, and friends at VenuesWest and Virgin Australia, the day was a roaring success!
So, what were the top three highlights of event day?
Inclusive Sporting Bodies and Businesses Coming Together
What Ability Days are a celebration of all abilities in our community, uniting a diverse range of sporting bodies to host games at the event. Participants enjoyed a variety of all-inclusive activities, such as Wheelchair AFL, Adaptive Volleyball, Rowing, Rugby WA’s tackling zone, NRL WA’s passing station, Optus’ Mini Soccer, and AAMI’s frisbee section.
Harvey Norman’s Soda Stream station was another highlight, keeping everyone refreshed and energised throughout the day. It quickly became a favourite spot for participants and families to recharge, hydrate, and gear up for the next round of fun.
What Ability Perth State Manager, Ian Harvey comments on the incredible support of all organisations involved on the day.
"I'm still buzzing after our What Ability Day at WA Athletics Stadium! The incredible support from our partners, volunteers, and athletes who dedicated their time made the day truly incredible. The countless smiles and the joy of watching our amazing community try new sports and forge new friendships will stay with me forever—one of the best days of my professional career. Proud and happy don't even begin to describe it.”
Celebrating Inclusivity: The Impact of Athletes
Athletes have the power to build an inclusive world! At What Ability Days, participants get to meet their sporting heroes, some of whom are their disability support workers! From the likes of Jai Culley, Josh Rotham, Amy Franklin, Tom Robertson and Isabella Lewis, attendees had the best time playing games with their favourite athletes.
Athletes have a huge impact on our community, they help break down barriers and change the way people perceive disability. We couldn’t be more grateful to have athletes involved in days like these.
The Power of Community: A Team Effort
WA Athletics Stadium provided the perfect backdrop for the second What Ability Day in Perth! The venue showcased the joint commitment to inclusion, offering ample space and facilities for everyone to fully participate and enjoy the day.
David Etherton, CEO of VenuesWest reiterates this stating,
“What Ability Foundation is a valued community partner of VenuesWest and we were proud to host What Ability Day at WA Athletics Stadium for the second time. Our venues exist to serve all members of the community and we were thrilled to see the enjoyment experienced by so many athletes participating in the inclusive event”.
Taking over the stadium was an unforgettable experience for all attendees. A huge, accessible space which participants and families made their own personal playground. A money can’t buy experience which allowed attendees to truly take in the massive scale of the stadium and make it a day to remember. If you’re looking for 1:1 disability support with community access and overnight camps, get in touch with the team that’s putting happiness first!
