BSSC values its relationship with Scope, an organisation that provides services for kids, teenagers, and adults, across a wide range of disabilities and complex needs.
Today, as an introduction to working in the disability sector, BSSC Community Services students had the opportunity to engage with Scope through a fun and interactive medium—balloon football.
Representatives from Scope, including experienced balloon footballer Jye Yates, introduced students to the rules of the game before inviting them to take to their wheelchairs and give it a try.
Currently more than 260 Victorians across five competitive leagues are playing balloon football.
“The game was invented 22 years ago as an opportunity for people with a disability to be involved in sport,” Jye explained. “I’ve been playing for six years and I really love the game. The rules are similar to Australian Rules Football, but the ball is a large balloon.”
VET Community Services teacher, Peter Burns, said the game was a great equalizer.
“It’s an opportunity for the students to better understand the challenges of living with a disability,” he said. “The representatives from Scope said it was one of the most enthusiastic groups they’ve worked with.”
It was great to see BSSC students embracing the experience with fun and laughter, but also to see the respect shown for the sport and our friends from Scope.
