AFL NSW/ACT walk for a difference

By Alison Zell

Last month, AFL NSW/ACT staff from the GWS region joined hundreds of western Sydney locals as Northcott Disability Services took a stand for social inclusion at their annual Walk With Me event.

Ash Moeller and Brett Roberts joined in the 800m walk along the banks of the Parramatta River, which aims to raise community awareness about people with a disability and help the Northcott Disability Services work towards an inclusive society.

The walk was held on Friday September 21 between Wilde Avenue Bridge and Rivercat Wharf, Parramatta and encouraged the local community to walk with clients of the centre, getting to know more about their abilities while breaking down common barriers and misconceptions. 

It was the third week of the Walk With Me events which were held in Moree, Wagga Wagga, Parramatta and Dubbo each Friday in September.

Paralympian and 2012 NSW Young Athlete with a Disability, Kristy Pond, was celebrated by her local community after returning home from her Paralympic debut in London.

All money raised from Walk With Me Parramatta goes towards funding Northcott’s respite services, which provides children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy various activities with peers in a similar situation, while their carers experience a break from their demanding role.

Northcott Disability Services’ Tereza Culina said the support of the local community and the Giants’ staff  was an integral part of the success of the event.

“The day was all about social inclusion and to have these players attend and walk with other members of the community really reinforced the purpose behind the event,” Culina said.

“The staff were both very friendly and welcoming to the children that were there and it was great to also have them walk with us on the day.” 

Check out our photo gallery of the great day here.