Legends Luncheon: Count Me In

Last Saturday’s Legend Luncheon brought many to celebrate the aspirations of Count Me In – that all people live in welcoming communities that facilitate citizenship, friendship, mutual support and a fair go for everyone.  

It also allowed the opportunity for Swans to celebrate the growing connection with people with disability, their families and carers. This included, but by no means limited to, our All Ability and Wheelchair football teams, and participants in our All Abilities school inclusion program.  

The All Abilities team headed up against Kingsway at the Steele Blue Oval in the 19th consecutive season at Swan Districts. Maurice Embley founded the Count Me In Round and Swan Districts is the only WAFL club who have kept the tradition alive.   

This luncheon was accompanied by fellows from Midway Ford, Ballroom Fit, Mt Helena Junior Football Club, Harrison Carthew, Br. Olly Pickett and many others. 

2023 Telethon Star, Harrison Carthew, was invited to lead the All Abilities run out. Harrison is a student that our Disability and Inclusion team had the opportunity to work with at Gosnells Primary School as a part of our Wheelchair Football Incursions, made possible through the funding support of Telethon. 

Br. Olly Pickett was awarded Senior Australian of the Year for 2025. He has worked tremendously to give back to this community by co-founding “Wheelchairs for Kids” in 1996.  Olly also spearheaded the development of an innovative, low-cost wheelchair design to World Health Organization standards that grows as the children do – a world first. For 26 continuous years, his life-changing community service has ignited a ripple effect of kindness and generosity. Br. Olly was a pleasure to here from at our annual Swans Networking Event in May.  

Ballroom Fit bought the Ability Dance team to perform at the luncheon. After the performance, members of the luncheon joined the team to dance and bring the luncheon to life. 

Each table at the luncheon displayed artworks from Elevate students from Mary MacKillop Primary School and Corpus Christi College. Our Disability and Inclusion team ran an activity where they asked students “What does the word “inclusion” mean to them? Why is it important to include everyone of all abilities? and how do you think we should be inclusive of others.”  

The luncheon also served to celebrate the iconic 40-year partnership between Midway Ford and the Swan Districts Football Club. This enduring relationship is a testament to shared values, community spirit, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field. For four decades, Midway Ford has stood proudly beside the black and whites, supporting generations of players, fans, and the local community. Midway Ford’s Principal, Ralph Cipro, along with Brand Ambassador and former Swans player, Nic Naitanui shared brief words about this partnership and what it meant to them. 

We thank each of those who attended our Count Me In Luncheon and look forward to next year when we celebrate 20 years of Count Me In.