MEDIA RELEASE

The Special Olympics football team, the Pararoos, may have lost their funding in July this year but in Wollongong, Greenacres Disability Services and Football South Coast have signed a unique partnership agreement to ensure the sport remains open to people with a disability.

The agreement will not only provide Greenacres service users with access to some of the region’s best matches but will also establish an adult futsal competition where integrated teams of people with disabilities and people without disabilities will play together.  It also includes regular training clinic for participants.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Football South Coast, Ann-Marie Balliana said football was a game for everyone and starting a competition for adult people with disabilities playing in a mixed abilities team was reflective of the inclusive nature of the sport.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with a disability in the Illawarra who loves football and wants to give the game a go.  Football is truly a sport for any age and any ability,” Mrs Balliana said.

“Football is a game that can be enjoyed by everyone, you definitely don’t have to have the skills of a Socceroo to have a great time.”

CEO of Greenacres Disability Services, Chris Christodoulou said that whilst there were particular benefits in the Partnership Agreement for Greenacres, service users from other Illawarra Disability Alliance members would be encouraged to put a team into the futsal competition.

“Whether you have a disability or not, football is a great game to foster team spirit, improve focus and skills, increase fitness, build self-esteem and generally give that feeling of joy and well-being that comes from playing a team sport,” Mr Christodoulou said.

“The partnership agreement between Greenacres and Football South Coast is a wonderful opportunity for our supported employees to get involved with the game both as fans and players.

 “I will definitely be working on my fitness levels now because I know many of the people Greenacres supports will be expecting me to join the team.”

Former Sydney FC and Wolves player Jacob Timpano, said football was a game that should be encouraged amongst people with disabilities and looked forward to seeing a greater involvement.

Anyone interested in joining the new futsal competition should contact Greenacres on 4229 2666.