Able Day on the Bay

 Able Day on the Bay!
 
When: Saturday 18th December 2010

Where: Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron

            Pier Rd, St Kilda VIC 3182 

 

Able’s Day on the Bay is back and it is bringing together bayside residents, community groups, volunteers, support staff and generous members of the public to provide a day of activities on Port Phillip Bay for people with disabilities, including deafblindness.

 

Participation in sports and other recreational activities can help people who are deafblind and suffering from other multiple disabilities regain self esteem, development of positive mental attitudes and achieve social reintegration.

 

People who would otherwise never get to experience the exhilaration of riding in a speedboat, feel the sting of water on their cheeks as they ride on a jet ski, or get excited by the first bite on the end of a fishing line. Such sensory experiences are what give meaning and value to the lives of the people Able Australia support.

 

Bayside resident Jan Flude had the original concept of putting together a community event that would allow people who are less fortunate to experience the thrills of being out on the water and enjoy activities to regain confidence and self esteem. After approaching Able Australia the foundations of ‘Able’s Day on the Bay’ were laid; an event that provides people with deafblindness unique sensory experiences and a strong sense of participation and community.

 

Able Australia’s CEO Celestine Hare says that Able’s Day on the Bay is all about inclusion and participation and showing people what people with disabilities are capable of.  “It is our ultimate aim to continue growing this event across all beach suburbs of Victoria so that more people have the opportunity to join in,” Ms. Hare said.

 

One of the best aspects of the event is the participatory nature. Generous individuals from the Bayside community are pitching in to make the event even bigger this year. So far we have received support from people and groups donating their time, support, food, boats, jet skis and other equipment, as well as their expertise in putting on this day of celebration. Able Australia is calling out for volunteers living in the Bayside area to assist with the 2010 event.

 

To learn more about Able’s Day on the Bay, or to find out how you can support the event, please contact Gary Daly on (03) 9861 6255 or email gary.daly@ableaustralia.org.au