When volunteering has the WOW factor thrown in...

When Amy Hawthorne from Basketball Geelong came to Leisure Networks seeking assistance to promote a V/Line international basketball event in Geelong, we seized the chance to link it to our Active Geelong Program and promote associated volunteer roles to people with disabilities.

The roles were ushering, and distributing programs to patrons as they flocked in to see the Australian Gliders (wheelchair basketball team) take on Germany and the Jayco Opals verse Japan.

We were mindful that an evening (quite a late one too) would be more challenging with respect to services providing caregivers, but that did not stop our sporting enthusiasts from putting their hands up. People from St Laurence, Leisure Networks, and Scope disability services, fronted up for an evening of hard work with loads of WOW thrown in.

The first WOW was being given a Basketball Geelong polo top to wear and to keep. The volunteers all looked really smart in their black slacks, shoes and their new shirts. It also made them feel part of the event team.

The next WOW came in the form of a fantastic spread of food to make sure that none of the volunteers went hungry. They were offered plenty of breaks and a veritable feast.

They did have to work hard in exchange, taking tickets, giving out programs and ushering people to their seats - roles that they all carried out extremely well despite their range of abilities. Damien, pictured next page, must have handed out 500 pieces of merchandise throughout the evening!

The next WOW was being able to watch the last half of the Jayco Opals game and a win for Australia from no place other than courtside front row seats.

And then on leaving, the volunteers were all given a basketball to take home in thanks for their extraordinary efforts – WOW!

Speaking about extraordinary efforts, it is worth highlighting the efforts of the Scope caregivers on this evening, as a best practice example of carers engaging with their clients. On arrival it was noted that both support staff had also come dressed in black slacks and shoes and were keen and ready to volunteer alongside their clients. This not only gave us 2 additional volunteers but had a significant impact on the enjoyment of their clients.

Basketball Geelong should be congratulated on such a well run event but also for their pro-activity in seeking diversity in their volunteer pool. And it looks as though the success will stimulate more regular engagement with people with disabilities as volunteers at the local basketball. WOW! 


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