Kalability Kids Embrace Footy Carnival

Participation rates more than doubled for the second Kalability Kickability Football Carnival which was held at Kostera Oval in Kalamunda.

The 2022 Kalability Kickability Carnival, which provides opportunities for children with disabilities, was held in Term 3 with 550 participants consisting of staff and students from 12 schools.

Twenty-seven teams from Secondary Education Support Schools competed for the Kalability Cup, which is awarded in each of three divisions.

Starkick Coordinator at the West Australian Football Commission Rob Geersen was delighted with the growth in the event.

“With 100 per cent growth from 2021, it just shows how much the schools, and more importantly the kids enjoy the chance to play footy.

With an estimated 10 per cent of children in WA living with a disability, we want to keep growing these opportunities in WA footy, so that more kids can experience the joy that comes from playing our great game,” he said.

Geersen explained how children and parents benefitted from the experience.

“It’s not an exaggeration to say that everyone involved in the carnival walks away with a smile.

Be it the players, teachers, or the volunteer students from SEDA, they all experience a unique sense of achievement and pride that being involved in this carnival brings.

Society often takes for granted that every child can participate in sport, but for children with a disability that’s not always the case.

Through events such as Kalability, we’re hoping to ensure more kids are not only playing footy but also building friendships, confidence and most importantly fun, “Geersen said.

Cups were presented to division winners and the “Values Shield” was also awarded to the school that best shows respect, sportsmanship, responsibility, and safe behaviours.

Hayden Marchetto, Executive Officer WA All Abilities Football Association, has praised those who put the event together.

“The Kalability Kickability Carnival is the biggest Aussie Rules carnival for participants with disabilities ever presented in Australia.

Kalamunda Ed Support was critical to the activation and the WAFC, led by Josh Embry, made the day a massive success and positioned footy as a disability sports leader amongst students of ed support schools.

The carnival gives the students the opportunity to try a modified version of AFL and encourages them to sign up with local clubs which deliver Starkick and community football clubs which are part of the integrated competition,” Marchetto said.

The competition was close, and for the first time all 3 divisions ended with joint winners.

Division 1 Joint winners

West Coast Secondary Education Support Centre AND Belridge Secondary Education Support Centre

Division 2 joint winners

John Tonkin?College?Education Support Centre AND Swan View Education Support Centre

Division 3 joint winners

Leeming Education Support Centre AND Armadale Education Support Centre

Values Award

Byford Secondary College Education Support Centre