Ballarat Netball Association’s all abilities program is aimed at offering people with an intellectual disability the opportunity to have a go on the netball court.
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At the moment participants, who range in age from 12 to 30s but are mostly teenagers, play for enjoyment with team and position changes every quarter.
But coordinator Rhonda Tighe said if the program attracted more participants to fill teams, there would be the option to start competitions.
“It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about having fun,” she said. “They don’t worry about the score too much, they just have a ball.
“They are all happy to see each other. If they get a goal or do something really good, they support each other. If we get a new one who is learning, they all stand back and let them get the ball.”
New participants are welcome to ‘come and try’ for a few weeks before committing to the program.
“The majority of people who come to have a go, they don’t leave,” Tighe said.
Sessions run on Thursdays from 5-6pm at Ballarat Netball Association.