By Brendan Rees
A charitable foundation focused on giving people with a disability a go in sport and arts has been officially launched in Casey.
More than 50 people gathered at Bunjil Place on Monday 22 October for the launch of the Casey All Abilities Foundation.
Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett said the Foundation aimed to remove barriers that were stopping people with disabilities playing sport and achieving their goals.
“It’s local people looking after local needs. We’re really going to push this hard into the future and hopefully we can get it set up and running really well.”
Cr Ablett hoped the community would get behind this “worthy cause” and offer some sponsorship, adding it had already been “overwhelmingly received.”
“It’s about creating engagement and opportunities,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of interest from companies who want to get involved,” Cr Ablett added.
“Bendigo Community Bank are very keen to be very much a much a major sponsor.”
Cr Ablett said the foundation would be inclusive for people of all abilities and aim to get them involved in cricket, football, High Powered Vehicles and Riding for Disabled.
“It’s local people looking after local needs.”
The launch comes after councillors voted to establish a community based Casey All Abilities Foundation at their 3 July meeting which would act independently of council.
Five community members have been elected to the Foundation’s board including president of the Cranbourne Football and Netball Club Gerry Kelly, Pearcedale Bendigo Community Bank manager Darryl Sutcliffe, Highview Accounting partner Silvio Marinelli, Cranbourne All Abilities Football and Basketball team representative Julie Cass, and Sally Francis, who is involved with Riding for the Disabled in Tooradin.
Three Casey councillors will also be appointed to the board on Monday 29 October.
A fundraiser will be held at the Front Bar at Kelly’s Hotel in Cranbourne on Thursday 29 November from 7pm-10pm. Entry is free. Bookings essential. Contact Darryl Sutcliffe 0434769970.
