Inclusivity at the Heart of Water Polo NSW's Cerebral Palsy Program
Water Polo NSW (WPNSW) continues to make significant strides in inclusivity with its ‘Girls Making Waves’ Inclusion program. This initiative is an adaptation of the existing Girls Making Waves participation program, specifically designed to break down barriers and offer access to water polo for young people with cerebral palsy and their families.
The Inclusion program, funded by the NSW Government through the Office of Sport Her Sport Her Way grant, exemplifies the commitment to fostering an inclusive environment within sports.
By addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with cerebral palsy, the program introduces these young athletes to water polo and also creates a supportive community that champions camaraderie, confidence, and personal growth.
Breaking Down Barriers
The Inclusion program aims to overcome barriers such as lack of accessible water polo activities by providing tailored coaching and adaptive sports equipment, ensuring that every participant can engage fully and safely in the sport.
Kathleen, mother of one of the program participants states “to see our daughter just have joy and pride and belief in herself that she can do things like this, is great.”
Eva, another participant’s mother, expressed her gratitude “this program has been the most inclusive.
“I’ve spent years trying to get people to include him.
“Water Polo NSW is actively trying to include him in mainstream water polo.”
Fostering Camaraderie and Community
One of the standout features of the Inclusion program is the remarkable sense of camaraderie it fosters among participants, families, caregivers, coaches, and volunteers. This collective effort has created a positive and lasting impact on the perception of water polo within the community.
“The development has been amazing, watching them grow over the course of the program. They would go home, work on things that we would show them,” says Andrea Hodges, Inclusion program coach.
“The friendships that they’ve formed; it's just been really rewarding watching them grow as a team.”
Benefits for Young People with Cerebral Palsy
The Cerebral Palsy Alliance describes engaging in sports as offering numerous benefits for individuals with cerebral palsy, including improved physical health, enhanced social skills, and greater self-confidence.
Activities like water polo can help participants develop motor skills, increase their physical fitness, and enjoy the psychological benefits of being part of a team. The buoyant nature of water sports, in particular, provides a low-impact environment that is gentle on joints and muscles, making it an ideal activity for those with cerebral palsy.
Participant Experiences
The impact of the program is best reflected in the words of the participants themselves.
Katie, a young girl with cerebral palsy, shared her excitement, "All the staff have been so encouraging and helpful. We’ve done many skills, learning how to pass the ball to each other, treading water, throwing the balls into the goals.”
Russell, another participant, shares his experience, "This program is built on a good routine.
“We have our exercises on dry land and then we go into the pool to get ready for a game.
“So it’s immersing ourselves in all parts of water polo and the sport.”
The Girls Making Waves Inclusion program is more than just another water polo program; it is a movement towards inclusivity and accessibility in our sport.
By adapting traditional formats of water polo and providing the necessary support and resources, WPNSW demonstrates how thoughtful adaptations and community support can create a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.
The Inclusion program addresses the immediate barriers to water polo participation for people with cerebral palsy and also aims to instill a lifelong love for the sport of water polo among its participants.
This Program is a testament to how targeted funding can create opportunities and drive significant positive change in the community.
Thanks to Macquarie Sports and Cerebral Palsy Alliance who supported the Inclusion program.
Take a look at the Inclusion program in action:
