We’re hosts with most
National inclusive sporting and community events returning to Geelong
“We aim to be an accessible and inclusive city that is welcoming for everyone, and we’re the proud home of the National Disability Insurance Agency headquarters.” CR ANTHONY AITKEN
GEELONG is fast establishing itself as an inclusive city, with a host of events celebrating diversity and disability arriving this summer.
Australia’s best cricketers with a disability are descending on Geelong for the National Cricket Inclusion Championships from Monday.
It is the third year in a row that the championships will be hosted by Geelong, with more teams competing in 2019 than ever.
The event, which runs until January 25, will be held at ricket grounds across Geelong.
More than 200 players from 16 teams will compete in the championships across three divisions — intellectual disability, blind or low vision, and deaf or hard of hearing.
Two deaf and hard of hearing women’s exhibition matches will also be held for the first time at the event, with a view to hosting a women’s division in future years.
The chair of Geelong council’s disability access, inclusion and volunteering portfolio, Cr Anthony Aitken, said Geelong was pleased to again host the National Cricket Inclusion Championships, which brought elite level sport to the region, featuring people with a disability.
“We aim to be an accessible and inclusive city that is welcoming for everyone, and we’re the proud home of the National Disability Insurance Agency headquarters,” he said.
“We hope the visiting teams and spectators enjoy our quality sporting facilities and all the attractions of the city.”
The championships are being supported by the Geelong Cricket Association and numerous local clubs, who are preparing turf wickets for more than 45 matches.
Grand finals for the three divisions will be held next Friday at the home of Highton Cricket Club at McDonald Reserve.
With one in five Australians living with a disability, the championships provide an opportunity for people to represent their state or territory and reach their sporting potential.
Acting Mayor Peter Murrihy said the championships would make fantastic viewing. He is and encouraging everyone to head along to a match if they get the chance.
“The standard of cricket is very high, and the players represent their states with great passion,” he said.
“Hosting the event is also a terrific opportunity to showcase Geelong and our local cricket grounds — which we believe are some of the best on offer — to players, spectators and officials from around Australia.”
The largest conference for people with disabilities in Australia will arrive in Geelong on February 4, allowing people with disabilities to speak up, be heard and be respected.
The Having a Say conference attracts more than 1000 people and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
The conference moved around the state for five years, but has since grown so large it is now hosted at Deakin University’s waterfront campus.
Having a Say will also host a My Choice expo about the range of services and supports available through the National Disability Insurance Scheme for people living with a disability and their families and supporters.