The smiles didn’t leave their faces, and the competitive spirit was just as high, as more than 30 athletes hit the beach for the Adaptive Program events on Day Eight of the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.
With most competitors tackling all events – beach runs, beach sprints, flags, swim, board and wading – the competition was fierce in front of a loud and energetic crowd at North Kirra.
In its second year of operation, the Adaptive Program at Aussies aims to give people of all abilities the opportunity to experience the exhilarating thrill of surf sports, whilst growing participation and competition opportunities nationwide.
John Baker AM ESM, President of Surf Life Saving Australia said, “This shows that Surf Life Saving is for everyone. We pride ourselves and our Surf Clubs on being really open and it doesn’t matter where you come from, what your ability is, what your background, everyone is welcome at a Surf Club, and everyone can find a meaningful place and rewarding experience.
“This is a great example of what we want to be as a movement which is open to all Australians.
“We are seeing growth in numbers from last year and we would like to grow those numbers further. Our aim is to make this a showcase every year and be an example to other sports on what they can do with inclusivity and adaptive programs.
“There is a huge amount of interest from those here at the Australian Surf Life Saving Champs and the support has been great to see.”
Naomi Symington, from Angleseas SLSC and co-founder of adaptive nipper program, Starfish Nippers, said the Starfish program was now utilised nationally to support adaptive programs at 50 clubs in Australia.
“Fourteen years ago, Janet Jones and I started Starfish Nippers at Anglesea and we quickly realised that other clubs would benefit from offering it and so we started an online format so any club, including those overseas, can access it free of charge. It is amazing that it has gone international now and the first clubs to utilise it were in France.
“Meaningful competition is what we founded the program on, and that is about allowing every individual achieving their greatest potential so it’s not just about turning up and having a go, it’s about turning up being as well prepared as you can be with your nutrition, fitness, training and health. This is their chance to shine.”
“We have athletes here today who train six days a week and that has paid dividends today in their finishes of the events.”
