“Ros Comer started the program, who at the time was a special school teacher and greatly involved in country netball. She entered four of her down syndrome girls, into a Thursday morning ladies’ competition in 1987.
“This then eventuated into GCNA inviting athletes to play on a Thursday afternoon in 1994. From this, Ros was able to ‘bend the rules’ to allow male players into the association, leading to the club winning 12 state tittles in 13 years,” Hodge said.
With Ros’ extraordinary efforts in developing and running the AA program, Hodge, with the help of the players’ parents, now looks after the coaching, organizing and overall management of the program.
“Golden City is amazing and so supportive; they just love having the athletes around. They really include everyone into the whole netball association.”
With majority of AA players ranging from 35-50 years, Hodge says that coming to netball is one of their only social outings for the week.
“A lot of players live with their parents, and aren’t involved in any other day programs, so they really look forward to coming to training and the games as it gives them a sense of belonging.”
GCNA’s AA program is unique in Bendigo, and with only two teams running within the association, Hodge is looking to expand the program and start recruiting AA players from a younger age.
“These athletes will play for as long as they can, so it would be great to get boys and girls from a young age.
“We also want to make sure that everyone who wants to play, can play. It’s all about participation, if we can get these guys out playing netball, it helps them to feel like a valid member of their community.”
