By Neesha Sinnya
Jim Davies and Isabella Pointing were among the participants.
Rhonda Trivett’s mission is to introduce inclusive sports into the region so that people of all abilities can reap the benefits of exercise and gain a sense of belonging.
“People need to belong out there and feel that they are part of something,” Trivett said.
“This is why wheelchair basketball would be great for starters, then we can try any kind of sport that people want.”
After a successful exhibition at the Disability Expo in March, the Suncoast Spinners have come back to the South Burnett with plans to develop a local team in collaboration with South Burnett Peace of Mind.
Participants of all abilities from ages six to 70 got involved on Saturday, 17 March at Murgon PCYC.
They were instructed in a warm-up and a range of games including ‘bull rush’ by Suncoast Spinner player and Australian development squad member Mitch Duncan.
Sharon Fullwood, from Suncoast Spinners, said it was all about getting able-bodied people to participate in wheelchair sports.
“We are sourcing funding at the moment to get more chairs and the Murgon PCYC venue is good and the disabled bathrooms are great here too,” Fullwood said.
Fullwood spoke about the importance of reverse inclusion and has been pleased with the turnout at the Murgon come and try day.
Sandra Kent is the treasurer for South Burnett Peace of Mind and coordinator for the wheelchair basketball, and she is also the grandmother of the club’s junior ambassador, Isabella Pointing.
“If it all goes well we will be doing it every second Saturday at the Murgon PCYC, but we have also had a lot of people interested in a Nanango team,” Kent said.
Amanda Ponnapalli brought her two young children to PCYC to have a go at wheelchair basketball.
“This is our first experience in a wheelchair, this is the longest period sitting in it now,” Ponnapalli said.
“We love to support things like this. If it comes to Murgon we will definitely get involved.”
The South Burnett wheelchair basketball program is part of the Suncoast Spinners Reverse Inclusion Initiative and has been warmly welcomed by the PCYC and the local community.
After the closure of the Kingaroy bowling alley, the community has been rallying to find activities for people living with disabilities.
“It’s about our community. People need to belong, get their dreams and become winners and achievers,” Trivett said.