Physical activity is crucial to maintaining physical and mental health and overall wellbeing. For people with disability, participation in physical activity can sometimes be a challenge.
Creating inclusive spaces and activities catered to these different needs is key to helping people with disability take part in physical activity.
To support people with disability in the local Tamworth community, The Benevolent Society’s local team held its first All Abilities Colour Run on Thursday 10 October 2024.
Image: The Benevolent Society's Tamworth team at the All Abilities Colour Run.
All Abilities Colour Run
The idea for the event was sparked by one of the team’s Occupational Therapists, who previously attended a school colour run with one of her clients, and noticed there were students with disabilities who couldn’t fully participate.
The local team, comprised of Occupational Therapists Genevieve Coote and Sophie Beavan, and Behaviour Support Practitioner Bree Parker, then set about organising the All Abilities Colour Run to prioritise participation for people with disability.
In the weeks leading up to the event, registrations noted specific needs for participants to ensure it was accessible to all.
The team received a lot of enquires from participants in wheelchairs, and ensured the course and activities catered for everyone of all ages and of all abilities who were interested in taking part.
Prioritising accessibility and fun
The event was a huge success, with over 70 participants and their carers taking part in the colourful, fun-filled day.
The course was comprised of multiple stages where participants could take a break or take part in fun activities. Some of these included bean bag tossing, limbo, hurdles, egg and spoon races, dancing, and puzzle-solving.
“The registration process helped the team identify the needs of participants. Our clinicians then worked closely with Tamworth Regional Council to find the most suitable venue,” said Tiffany Walsh, Team Leader at The Benevolent Society in Tamworth.
The Carter Street Netball Courts provided the perfect location for all abilities, including those in wheelchairs, to make their way through the course at their own pace.
“Most importantly, it also ensured they made the most of the activities our clinicians set up along the course, enjoy wearing so many bright colours, and have fun with their peers,” she added.
Additional local disability providers also attended with their clients. This included independent support workers, Disability Consultancy Support, Northcott, Challenge Community Services and Sunnyfield Disability Services.
“The response from the Tamworth community and participants has been incredibly heart-warming,” Tiffany added. “Everyone who took part had a huge smile on their face, and it was great to see so many participants, alongside carers and family, have so much fun as they made their way through the course and share special moments with those around them.”
The Tamworth team is looking forward to working with participants and other community organisations to bring the All Abilities Colour Run back again next year!
For more information on our range of disability services and programs, click here or call 1800 236 762.