Inclusive Clubs Workshop

On the 19th of August, Sports Focus presented an Inclusive Clubs Workshop to Bendigo & District Table Tennis Association and Bendigo Eaglehawk Badminton Association. Sophie Bickford, Project Coordinator- Program Delivery & Digital Communications, and Laura Bradley, Community Development & Partnerships Lead co-delivered the workshop to the two clubs.

The workshop aims to empower clubs and provide them with the knowledge and skills to become more inclusive- in turn creating greater opportunities for people with disabilities within sport. Utilising evidence, real-life examples, and the 7 Pillars of Inclusion Model developed by Play by the Rules, the workshop guides club volunteers, committee members and club members in developing and promoting their own all-abilities programs, identify areas they could improve their inclusion (such as communication, access and policies), and provoke thought about introducing new modified opportunities to their sport.

Delivering the Inclusive Clubs Workshop is funded by Sport and Recreation Victoria through their Together More Active funding, enabling Sports Focus to deliver the Access for All Abilities program across the Loddon Campaspe region. Reflecting on the workshop, Sophie said “It’s so fantastic to see sporting clubs making a conscious effort to improve their inclusion, and move towards building their club into a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all abilities. This workshop is a great place to start, along with the array of additional ongoing support we can offer clubs through their journey of inclusion”.