Swan Districts celebrates International Day of People with Disability

Today Swans proudly celebrated its sixth International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) breakfast. This year’s theme was ‘amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future’.

Women’s T38 Long Jump Silver Medallist at the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, Niamh MacAlasdair, gave an inspirational speech about her personal journey.

Niamh discussed her challenges of being born with cerebral palsy and wanting to enjoy the same opportunities her peers received. She recalled her childhood feelings of isolation, and the role athletics played in providing a sense of belonging, family and achievement.

She aspires to compete in the Commonwealth and Olympic Games and is studying to be a lawyer to represent people with disability.

Swans is acutely aware of its role as a community connector. It has an All Ability football team and a wheelchair football team, and with the support of Telethon, its staff and players deliver school and community inclusion programs.   

“Our club’s purpose is to empower community and individuals to create better futures,” said Swans Inclusion Coordinator Jorja Perdija.

“Yes, football’s in our DNA, but we exist for a deeper purpose.

“Our inclusion programs are central to who we are and align to our club values – everyone matters, raise the bar to be the best you can be, and we fly together.”

The Swans IDPwD breakfast was sponsored by Developmental Disability WA. The club’s all abilities inclusion programs are proudly supported by 360 Health and Community, The Vines, Pilbara Motor Group, McIntosh and Son and Telethon.