Kylie Bozanic has three sons. Two grew up playing sport, but one wasn’t as fortunate.
Kylie’s 10-year-old middle son, Kyle, was born with quadriplegia dystonia and wasn’t able to take part in sport.
Ms Bozanic decided to fill the gap and launch an inclusive sports team, setting up Western Special Needs Basketball Club with some friends and the Werribee Basketball Association. “We wanted something for anyone with any additional needs or disabilities in the western suburbs so they can be healthy and active in sport, like everyone else,” she said.
The team started two years ago with just seven players, but today there are 28 spread across three different teams. Joining in is open to anyone with physical or intellectual disabilities or chromosomal disorders.
A new Werribee basketball team includes people with special needs.
“We chose basketball, for a number of reasons,” Ms Bozanic said. “Firstly, we’re a big basketball family, but also it’s an all-year sport played indoors so weather doesn’t matter. It’s also great that wheelchairs can be used.”
Two years on, not only Kyle but all those who’ve become involved have reaped the rewards of taking part in team sport.
“It boosts their confidence, their health, fitness and social skills and gives them a real sense of being included,” Ms Bozanic said. A tournament on October 2 will bring teams from as far as Frankston, Bentleigh and Bendigo to compete at Eagle Stadium. The competition is open to players of all ages and abilities.
Thirty-minute training sessions at Eagle Stadium start 6pm on Tuesdays, followed by a 30-minute game.
More details: Kylie Bozanic, 0421 697 574; Jason Kelly at Werribee Basketball Association, 9742 5440 or westernspecialneedsbasketball@gmail.com
