Close to 300 participants visited Eagles HQ, with AFL and AFLW players lending a helping hand running water, assisting with drills and were simply present in showing their support for inclusion and diversity in football.
The celebratory event has been held at Mineral Resources Park for the past three years, being the major annual event as part of the Club’s ongoing partnership with the WAAAFA.
To start the day there were a variety of inclusive activities around the oval, with Healthy Strides Foundation and the Town of Victoria Park setting up fun games and areas to engage with the attending youth.
Whilst this was going on the Indoor Training Facility was filled with music, smiles and all-abilities football games led by Starkick to provide youth with opportunities to give footy a crack.
After a short while of games and activities for the youngsters it was time for the main event of the afternoon, the Rise Inclusion Football Academy’s exhibition match.
The match has been part of the event since the beginning, and players from both team Gold and Black were ready and raring to put on a strong display in front of the Eagles players with team Black crowned the eventual winners.
General Manager – Community and Game Development, Richard O’Connell, praised the success of another International Day of People with Disability event, and the importance of the Club’s ongoing partnership with WAAAFA.
“We are incredibly proud to collaborate with like-minded partners like WA All Abilities Football Association, Healthy Strides Foundation, Town of Victoria Park, WA Football Commission, Perth Football League to create events where no matter your ability you can enjoy football. The day is something our male and female players really enjoy and look forward to participating in each year.
“Football promotes the benefits of an active lifestyle, but it is also about a sense of teamwork and belonging. Together with the WA All Abilities Football Association we promote our annual International Day of People with Disabilities event but we also collaborate on other initiatives such as wheelchair football, specially modified Auskick football and AFL Blind – together we are innovating to make football accessible for all."
O’Connell delved deeper into the importance placed on diversity and inclusion at the Club throughout 2023 and highlighted the continuous commitment to providing football opportunities for everyone.
“West Coast Eagles have over 100,000 members – these come from every walk of life. We are committed to ensuring our members and supporters have the opportunity to get to know our club, players and staff no matter their ability, circumstance or background. We are all unique but we all proudly wear the same yellow and blue colours.”
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