Netball WA will launch a new Walking Netball program in October after receiving an Innovation Challenge Program grant from the State Government, which rewards new and clever ideas, including those that respond to community need.
Sport and Recreation Minister Tony Buti said this important new funding program is designed to encourage business innovation and the use of technology to grow sport and recreation.
"There should be no barriers to community participation in sport and it's great to see so many organisations thinking outside the box to increase participation, particularly among at-risk groups," Mr Buti said.
Netball WA General Manager Community Netball Liz Booth said Walking Netball is a modified version of the game designed for participants with various physical barriers and perceptual barriers, allowing them to participate at a walking pace.
“This twist on the traditional format sees walking replace the more vigorous running format of the game. The low impact nature of this variation appeals to a wider community and offers an added safety incentive,” Ms Booth said.
“It will improve health and wellbeing outcomes by helping more participants stay active and social, regardless of fitness or age, engage new markets to netball, and encourage former participants to re-engage with the sport.
“Another objective is to engage Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities to participate to help achieve social inclusivity. Being physically active in a group context increases motivation, builds friendships, and widens social networks, which are key elements to promoting positive wellbeing through the Walking Netball program,” she said.
The program will be structured around exercise and wellbeing and gradually progress to encourage skills development, starting from the basics of netball, and transitioning week-to-week by embedding further skills and education sessions.
Walking Netball will commence with a series of come and try sessions at Noranda Netball Association, Southern Districts Netball Association, Bunbury Netball Association and the Gold Netball Centre.
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