Shire of Broome’s All Abilities Day celebrates inclusive sport

Published on 28 March 2025

The Shire of Broome’s all-abilities come and try day was a resounding success. It brought together young people of all abilities to experience a variety of sports in an inclusive and supportive environment. Held on Friday, 21 March, at the Philip Matsumoto Sports Courts, the event provided an opportunity for local students to try their hand at different sports.

The event included almost 100 students from Broome Senior High School, St Mary’s Secondary College and Primary, Broome Primary School, and Cable Beach Primary. Representatives from Tennis West, Netball WA, WA Football, and Football Futures, as well as Garnduwa and local disability service agencies, were on hand to facilitate the activities and offer insight into their respective sports.

A standout moment of the day was a visit from Rodrigue Niyongere, a coach and member of the WA Paras (Cerebral Palsy soccer team). Rodrigue shared his inspiring personal journey and his experiences in the world of disability sports, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

This event is part of the Shire’s broader commitment to inclusivity, aligning with actions outlined in the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan.

The event helped strengthen collaboration between sporting organisations and disability service providers, and laid the groundwork for future year-round programs, with the goal of establishing the come and try day as an annual event.

On Thursday, 20 March, the Shire hosted an all-abilities information session, bringing together State Sporting Association representatives, disability service agencies, and sporting clubs to collaborate on enhancing inclusive sports opportunities.

By hosting this event, the Shire continues to foster inclusivity in all aspects of community life and provides ongoing opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in and enjoy sports.

The Shire of Broome President stated, “The all-abilities come and try day is a great example of the Shire of Broome’s commitment to creating an inclusive community. It’s heartening to see young people of all abilities coming together to experience the joy of sport in a supportive and welcoming environment.”

“We are grateful to the sporting organisations, disability service providers, and volunteers who joined us. This event is a perfect example of how collaboration strengthens our community, providing valuable opportunities for young people while fostering a more inclusive and connected Broome.”

The event was made possible thanks to a Play-Well Participation grant from the Australian Sports Commission.