By Bridie Byrne
A LACK of wheelchair sports in Wyndham has promoted a community outcry.
Community leader Heather Marcus along with the YMCA and local residents will band together to campaign for home soil games.
A wheelchair basketball come-and-try day was held in Werribee last Sunday. Twenty eight people turned up with various disabilities from acquired brain injuries, spipa bifida and intellectual disabilities.
Ella Sabljak, 17, told Star earlier this month of her mission to form a one-of-a-kind team.
She travels to Geelong every week to participate in the only sport that allows her to build her fitness level.
Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy is eating away at her muscle tissue, leaving her with no feeling in her ankles or toes. Ms Marcus said she was disappointed that people had to travel outside the municipality to play the sport.
The closest facilities to Wyndham are Knox and Geelong. Three years ago the community pushed for the sport but to no avail.
Ms Marcus said she also hoped to help create a wheelchair rugby side.
“They will have a social activity as well as having a sport that benefits everyone all around,” Ms Marcus said.
YMCA community development co-ordinator Nicole Marie said there were not enough facilities in the West.
Two more try days will be held in November and December at the Werribee Sports and Fitness Centre. Anyone is welcome to come along. For more information, phone 9742 5630.
