NIPPERS ADDITION
SIX years ago Nobbys Beach Surf Life Saving Club coach Nick Marshall noticed a number of his Nippers’ disabled siblings sitting on the sidelines watching the other kids enjoy the fun and clearly wanting to join in.
He decided to do something about it and Albatross Nippers was born.
“When parents ring up and tell me about their kids’ restrictions, I just say ‘come along, we’ll make it work’,” Marshall said.
“In terms of disabilities, there’s no restrictions.”
For the first time this year thanks to Albatross, children with disabilities will take part in the March Past event at this weekend’s Youth Surf Lifesaving Championships, a 50th anniversary edition after first being held at Burleigh in 1969.
“There’s never been a team of special needs children ever compete in Queensland, if not the country, in surf lifesaving, and there is no better event to showcase what they are doing and have done than this event where we will usher in a new halfcentury of Nippers,” Marshall said.
“This is true inclusive Nippers where the same opportunities exist for everyone despite any difficulties.”
Every Sunday the Albatross Nippers train at surf clubs across Gold Coast and test themselves in wade races in waist-deep water, flags, sprints and running relays.
Then there’s uniquely Albatross drills such as the crumbed sausage where Nippers get as wet as possible then roll around in the sand followed by the undisputed favourite: a board surfing exercise with the help of surf lifesavers, ironmen and ironwomen who sit on the back of the board and help the kids surf in to the shore.
Marcus Hay is one of the Albatross success stories.
The 12-year-old started Nippers with his sister at six but struggled with the water activities as he grew older.
Hay, who lives with Down syndrome, joined Albatross in 2012 and can now be found at the beach every Sunday having fun with his mates.
“Now when Marcus goes to the beach, he has the confidence to go out in the water and swim in the surf catching waves and duck-diving,” Marcus’s mum Carla said.
“It makes Marcus feel more independent and like a proud member of the family because he is doing something that his sister does.”
THIS IS TRUE INCLUSIVE NIPPERS WHERE THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES EXIST FOR EVERYONE ALBATROSS COACH NICK MARSHALL