Sharks champion inclusivity on International Day of People with Disability

Author: Troy Whittaker Media Coordinator
Timestamp: Wed 4 Dec 2024, 04:42 PM

The joy of inclusivity was clear to see as the Sharks celebrated the International Day of People with Disability by joining members of St George & Sutherland Community College's 'disAbility' program for a BBQ and footy clinic on Tuesday.

NRLW stars Emma Verran (nee Tonegato) and Jada Taylor joined forces with fellow Sharks Have Heart staff and budding NRL player Max Bradbury for an entertaining skills and games session at Soldiers Road Oval in Jannali.

The Sharks have developed a strong relationship with St George & Sutherland Community College having conducted several disability clinics in the past 18 months. The disAbility participants generously presented the players and staff with gifts as a token of their appreciation after hosting the lunch.

The organisations came together to acknowledge the International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD), exemplifying this year's theme of "amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future".

With Verran taking charge as the club's Equal Access Program Lead, the Sharks are proud to work extensively in the disability sector year-round. The importance of engaging the community in this space is underlined by the following statistics:

There are 5.5 million people with disability in Australia (one in five people)
15% of people in Australia aged 0-64 years have disability
52% of people in Australia aged 65 years and over have disability
7.9% of all Australians have a profound or severe disability
9.9% or 1 in 10 people with disability in Australia have experienced discrimination.

"It's incredibly rewarding to be part of a club that is so committed to fostering inclusivity and making a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities," Verran said.

"By acknowledging IDPWD, we are celebrating the phenomenal contributions of those with disability while working toward a more united future.

"Our relationship with St George & Sutherland Community College showcases this perfectly as we create opportunities for everyone to feel included and valued."

Bernadette Mills, CEO of St George & Sutherland Community College (SGSCC), added: "At SGSCC, we are proud to partner with the Cronulla Sharks' Sharks Have Heart program, a collaboration that reflects our shared commitment to inclusivity, community, and lasting change. Together, we are working to empower and inspire individuals across our community.

"The Sharks’ Sharks Have Heart initiative creates meaningful social impact through programs like One Heart, Deadly Choices, and Mega Jaws, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, individuals with disabilities, young people, and seniors. This aligns perfectly with SGSCC’s mission to inspire lifelong learning and personal growth.

"Guided by our values of Commitment, Respect, Integrity, and Belonging, SGSCC strives to foster a sense of community where everyone feels valued and supported. By joining forces with the Sharks, we are amplifying our efforts to empower people and deliver positive change.

"We thank the Sharks for their shared vision and look forward to creating lasting opportunities and impact through this inspiring partnership."

Bradbury – the 2024 Sharks NRL Community Player of the Year – and fellow young gun Liam Ison also helped put the SCORE Sharks all-abilities team through their paces at training at Sutherland Oval on Wednesday afternoon.

Rounding out a huge year, Sharks Have Heart will host a Mega Jaws All Ability Experience, including rugby league and cheerleading components, on Thursday, December 12 at Cronulla High School's Academy Fields (ages 16+). CLICK HERE to register.

To support the club's work in the disability space, as well as a variety of other community programs, CLICK HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to Sharks Have Heart via the Australian Sports Foundation today!