Fremantle premiership team at Parliament, Waldron
Author: Terry Waldron
Published on: 06-September-2011
State Parliament today had the honour of hosting the inaugural premiership team in the Western Australian Amateur Football League’s Integrated Football Program.
The competition, for people with an intellectual disability began in 2009 and has grown to a five-team premiership competition with Fremantle CBC, Lynwood/Ferndale, High Wycombe, Warnbro Swans and Kingsway competing for the 2011 premiership.
Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron and Disability Services Minister Helen Morton welcomed the Fremantle CBC team to State Parliament today with Mr Waldron saying it was obvious the program had given players with an intellectual disability a complete football experience.
“From training and playing as a team to engaging with other players and supporters in a club environment, the experiences have obviously been a major benefit,” he said.
“The key to the success of this league is that local community clubs such as Fremantle CBC are providing the right environments for these footballers to be part of.”
Mrs Morton said the competition builds team work, mateship, relationships and camaraderie, based on physical skills and activity.
“Football is a universal language to young West Australians and it is great these young men are participating,” she said.
“This initiative is also consistent with the Disability Services Count Me In Future Directions Strategy that welcomes everyone into communities, facilitating citizenship, friendship, mutual support and a fair go for all.”
