An NRLW star on the weekend’s, Emma Tonegato also manages to have a considerable impact at the Sharks away from the playing fields as the Sharks Have Heart Equal Access Program Lead, with her role focusing on disability and inclusion within the local and wider community.
In using a degree in Occupational Therapy as background experience to develop the role, her charter is to make the game of rugby league accessible to all, with Tonegato managing and executing initiatives within the disability inclusion space.
Over the course of the year Tonegato takes responsibility for managing the Club’s partnership with NRL wheelchair, while also having regular involvement with general community activities including the organisation and delivery of the One Heart anti racism program and facilitating Heartfelt Moments.
Tonegato also assists with the Sharks holiday experiences and in line with her position focus on disability and inclusion, the Mega Jaws disability clinics.
The Junior and Super Jaws, as well the Mermaids Cheer clinics, scheduled to again take place next week (October 5), are always well attended, as are the Mega Jaws clinics which have now become a regular and popular add on and are scheduled to return in 2024.
Tonegato and the Sharks Have Heart team also conducts four adult and four child disability clinics per year and one-off clinics with disability organisations, with an event held recently with St George Sutherland Community College fun for all and hailed a huge success.
Another Wheelchair Come and Try event is also set to take place next week at the Menai Indoor Sports Centre, with Tonegato, Jada Taylor from Sharks Have Heart, along with Australian Wheelaroo rep Liam Luff a special guest.
“There is also a program I've been working on to launch in the next few months. It's about doing disability rugby league clinics with students that attend school in the supported units. It will most likely be a four-session program, run across eight weeks, at each school,” Tonegato said. “We held a trial event at Port Hacking High School recently, it was a successful day, they were very supportive, and we will look to them to help us launch the program early next year.
“And we look forward to a good turnout at the Wheelchair Come and Try next Friday. It’s for people of all ages, all abilities, both able bodied and disabled and is a fun and all-inclusive sport. I encourage everyone to come along, have some fun and to give it a go,” she added.
As for the school holiday clinics next month, scheduled for Thursday, October 5, the Sharks are excited to announce a special collaboration with Sharks Touch, Taren Point Touch and the Minespec Parts Sharks Mermaids.
The Junior Jaws Touch clinic, suitable for 4- to 9-year-olds will focus on the fundamentals of Touch Football with a focus on fun and participation.
A Junior Jaws Touch clinic for 10- to 14-year-olds, an advanced clinic for participants that wish to take their Touch Football skills to the next level will also be held. However, it’s not all about Touch with this Junior Jaws program ideal for players of Tackle, Touch and Tag, with the focus on skill development guided by professional coaches.
Then for those looking for a different Sharks ‘footy’ experience, the Mini Mermaids Clinics (4 -12 year olds) will see participants enjoy a three hour clinic that includes learning a dance routine, fun games and a signing and photo session with the Minespec Parts Mermaids.
The clinics will run from 1-4pm at Gwawley Park, Taren Point (133-139 Taren Point Road), on Thursday October 5. All participants will receive a T-shirt and show bag.
The Wheelchair Come and Try is day is Friday, October 6, from 2pm-4pm at the Menai Indoor Sports Centre.
For more information or to register for the clinics CLICK HERE
while for any questions regarding any of the School Holiday Experiences, email Emily at [email protected].
For more on the Come and Try Wheelchair event – CLICK HERE
PLEASE NOTE: Sharks School Holiday Clinics are subject to change. Please read all communication carefully from Sharks Staff via email.
