Western Sydney Wanderers show their support
Sydney, Australia: More than 500 Autistic students, teachers and family members will participate in Australia’s biggest autism-specific sports carnival, to be held at Sydney Olympic Park on 2 November.
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), which operates one of the largest autism-specific school programs globally, will bring together all nine of its schools from around New South Wales and South Australia, in what will be a day of inclusivity and celebration.
Professional coaches and community teams from the Western Sydney Wanderers football club, will volunteer during the event running mini soccer clinics and ball skill activities.
While the day is about fun, research by Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) indicates there is a significant need for physical activities to be tailored to young autistic children and as many as 74 percent express a desire to participate in sports more actively than they currently do.
Maryanne Gosling, Aspect’s National Director of Education said this important event will play a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity and raising awareness about autism more broadly and the need for acceptance and understanding in the wider community.
“For a child on the autism spectrum, a traditional sports carnival can be quite overwhelming," said Ms. Gosling. "Our event is all about having fun, so it's adapted to the students’ needs. We have quiet rooms and spaces available, a wide range of different activities to get involved in, as well as sensory-friendly activities in a safe environment.
“Many mainstream sporting activities and teams are not accessible for children on the autism spectrum, so giving our students an opportunity to experience and join in at a major sporting event is so exciting.
“We are proud to partner with the Western Sydney Wanderers and Sense Rugby, all of which foster inclusiveness in their own clubs by creating autism friendly spaces and activities.
“And I am grateful to our teaching staff and our school community for creating such an incredible event, and to our wonderful students who have trained hard. Each child will wear their school colours, so we will see a vibrant spectrum of colour filling the Stadium, representing inclusivity,” added Ms Gosling.
The event will feature activities including 100m running races, obstacle courses, tug of war, and long jump, along with sensory soccer and rugby.
A range of accommodations will be in place for the students including a sensory and quiet room, quiet external spaces, many trained support staff on hand to provide assistance, sensory friendly activities including blowing bubbles, an inflatable unicorn race and no use of a starter gun for athletics events.
Event Details:
Thursday 2 November 2023
10am-1.30pm
Athletic Centre, Sydney Olympic Park
About our partners:
- Western Sydney Wanderers began partnering with Aspect in 2022 to offer autism friendly and inclusive soccer clinics during school holidays. Through this initiative, the Club is committed to fostering self-confidence, skill development and a sense of community for Autistic children, making sports more accessible and enjoyable for all.
- Sense Rugby: Founded by Occupational Therapist, Carlien Parahi, and Australia’s Rugby Sevens Olympian, Jesse Parahi, Sense Rugby gives children a safe environment where experienced Paediatric Occupational Therapists work with Trained Rugby Players to help children of all abilities achieve success. Sense Rugby has supported Aspect’s Sports Carnival for many years, being a fixed feature of the activity circuit.
Definition and prevalence of autism:
An estimated 1 in 70 Australians are on the autism spectrum. Autism can affect the way a person communicates and interacts with other people and his or her environment. Some people on the autism spectrum can have social communication difficulties, strong interests, sensory sensitivities and repetitive behaviour. Autism is completely unique to each individual.
About Aspect
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is Australia’s largest autism-specific service provider, with one of the world’s biggest autism-specific schools programs. A not-for-profit organisation, we work in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum and their families to deliver distinct services, practices and research that recognise a different brilliant® - understanding, engaging and celebrating the strengths and interests of people on the autism spectrum.
For more information:
Karen Keech karen@establishedpr.com.au
0411 052 408
Sean Pickering spickering@autismspectrum.org.au
0403 506 585
