It’s not every day you get to run out on to CommBank Stadium with NRL superstars like Turbo Tom Trbojevic and Sean Keppie . . . so Friday 3 December was very special for more than 100 people living with a disability, along with their families and carers.
On International Day of People with Disability, the Stadium hosted the launch of the #WhatAbilityFoundation whose stated mission is to “unlock experiences for people living with a disability and their families”.
The brainchild of ex-NRL star Steve Dresler, the Foundation has launched an ambitious target to unlocking 1 million community experiences by 2026 . . . and today’s live sporting experience on the hallowed turf of CommBank Stadium was their first such special experience.
By the smiles on the faces of the kids and adults alike, today was a huge success!
Athletes from the NRL and NRLW, Rugby AU, Australian boxing, Cricket NSW and Netball NSW came together with business and community leaders in support of the Foundation and its mission.
On the athletes’ side, Turbo Tom and Sean Keppie were joined by Bella McKenzie and Jesse Southwell from Rugby AU, Olympian boxer Harry Garside, Hannah Southwell, Kennedy Cherrington and Botille Vette-Welsh from NRLW, Lauren Cheatle from Cricket NSW, and Bulldogs players Joash Papalii, Kaylib Savage, Danny Ghantous, Bilal Yazici, Diego Bravo-Graham and Cameron Lawrence.
Inspirational BMX rider Kai Sakakibara, who was badly injured in the lead-up to the #Tokyo2020 Olympics, was among a panel of speakers.
Congratulations to What Ability Foundation CEO Steve Dresler, Board Members David Sexton, Melodie Wight and Charlotte Goninan, and their support staff.
The time to be happy is now.
The place to be happy is here.
The way to be happy is to make others so.
#You may like to follow the progress of the #WhatAbilityFoundation across their social media platforms.
