NRL WA & What Ability Unite to Support Disability Community

Perth, WA, October 5 – Elite Australian athletes from a variety of sports, such as Rugby League, AFL, cricket, hockey, rowing, and more, have joined forces to demonstrate their dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities.

Athletes involved: Anneka Stephens, Sean Darcy, Corey Wagner, Rueben Ginbey, Georgia Wyllie, Ash Day, Ky Willot, Sam Fanning, Hamish McKenzie, Rhiannon Clarke, Amy Franklin, Aisling McCarthy, Amy Franklin, Emma Wilson, Riley Rees-turner and Bella Lewis

Other key attendees: Samantha Helen Rowe, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture and the Arts; Sport and Recreation

Over 200 individuals, including people with disabilities, their families, support workers, athletes and volunteers, attended the What Ability Day at the WA Athletics Stadium. The event was organised by What Ability, a NDIS registered support provider, and followed the successful launch into Western Australia in June 2022. Attendees were treated to appearances by prominent athletes from the Fremantle Dockers, Scorchers, Perth Glory and Western Force. Throughout the day, participants engaged in various fun activities led by the athletes, making for a memorable experience.

Steve Dresler, the Founder of What Ability, expressed his joy about the event’s success, “This What Ability Day has been an exciting milestone in our journey to build an inclusive world and put happiness first for people living with a disability. As What Ability continues to grow and make an impact in the disability space, days like this will help to positively raise awareness about people living with a disability.”

What Ability support worker and AFL Fremantle Dockers player Sean Darcy said “I know days like this bring a smile and joy to everyone here, and even more importantly, encourages participants to sign up to sport on the weekend, and give them the confidence to have a go! The big goal is to get all abilities involved in sport and break down barriers.

I’m so grateful to be a support worker and see how the little things bring joy to the participant’s lives.”

‘The What Ability Foundation’ became a community partner of VenuesWest over a month ago. CEO David Etherton said VenuesWest is proud to support the event and is excited for the value this will provide the WA community. “We are thrilled to welcome What Ability to WA Athletics Stadium for their first What Ability Day in Perth. The event, which includes the chance to play alongside athletes who regularly train at our venues, will create unforgettable memories for the Perth community. We are proud to assist What Ability in the valuable work they do to promote diversity and inclusion.”

The disability inclusive day is proudly supported by VenuesWest and Major Partners: AAMI, Harvey Norman, Optus, Shaw and Partners and Tyrepower. with exclusive access to the field, attendees will participate in a range of fun activities and play alongside local What Ability athletes.

We welcome and appreciate coverage of this event and the cause it represents.

About What Ability:

What Ability is an NDIS registered disability support service that specialises in 1:1 community access and camps. They connect you with capable, fit and friendly support workers across the country, some of which are professional athletes. If you’re looking for disability support, head to https://whatability.com.au/services/need-support/ to find out more.