The West Coast Eagles have celebrated International Day of People with Disabilities in style with a series of all-abilities events at Mineral Resources Park last Friday.

Both AFL and AFLW Eagles were present to welcome over 250 participants to the event and hosted a range of activities including an integrated game between members of the Rise Inclusion Football Academy.

The integrated all abilities game was played between two teams out of Rise Academy playing off for their final game of the year.

The Rise program provides an opportunity and a pathway for 60 athletes to further develop their football and leaderships skills.

Players are chosen by the WA All Abilities Football Association to take part in a 10-week training program that includes AFL high-performance testing, specialist coaching, weights programs along with many other aspects that improves the wellbeing of the athletes.

Since September the Academy has played a number of exhibition games and has also represented Western Australia at the AFL Inclusion Carnival, which was held in South Australia from November 5-11 this year.

The event at Eagles’ HQ is the second of its kind having been hosted by the club last year on the same date.

The community-based afternoon commenced with fan zone and player signings, followed by the Integrated Football game, which event participants as well as Eagles’ players and staff watched.

Healthy Strides Foundation facilitated equipment and staff to manage the different activities for the fan zone with Eagles players and community department staff assisting throughout the afternoon.  

The Town of Victoria Park set up and facilitated the Sensory Room which participants were free to visit if they needed a quiet space, while the Integrated Football game was co-ordinated by WA All Abilities Football Association.

The United Nations annual observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life.

General Manager – Community and Game Development Richard O’Connell said the second event for the year was a huge success and couldn’t be achieved without the combined efforts from Town of Victoria Park, WA All Abilities, Healthy Strides Foundation and West Coast.

“Our members come from all walks of life and we are incredibly proud to play a small role in making football accessible to those who face challenges,” O’Connell said.

“I know our AFL/AFLW/WAFL players and staff get enormous satisfaction from giving back and seek out opportunities to be involved in celebrations like todays.

“International Day of People with Disabilities and the event held at Mineral Resources Park is one of the highlights on the club calendar and we hope to continue the tradition in years to come.”