Collective Leisure present at FECCA 2022 Conference
We shared our ideas on the topic of ‘Maximum Impact - NSW Inclusive Schools Sports Program’ at the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia.
FECCA is the peak national body representing Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities in Australia. The FECCA 2022: Advancing Multicultural Australia conference provided space for the advancement and discussion of issues impacting CALD communities including multiculturalism, inclusion, diversity and migration. The event was a combination of keynote speakers, oral presentations and poster presentations between the 16 - 17 June 2022 at the Sofitel Hotel in Melbourne.
A selection of our sports coaches Merna Yalda, Carmin Yunadam and Jamila Hussaini presented on their experiences working with children and young people with disability. Alongside our Project Coordinator Alison Jones.
Collective Leisure partners with Special Olympics Australia to deliver their NSW Inclusive Schools Sports Program, via our Path to Potential program. A program designed to provide employment and training for marginalised groups such as refugees.
Our sports coaches have been delivering multi-sports in schools since 2020 and our weekly Sportability Club for children and young people with disability from February 2022, at Auburn Basketball Centre.
Carmin gave an overview of the NSW Inclusive School Sports Program and the barriers children and young people with disability face accessing sports programs.
"It feels good when you and the people around you share the same idea of love and affection. It takes one hand to write but many to build a better future.
Attending the conference was a magnificent experience for me, I got to see and learn from other organisations, meet new people and share our company name. We made new connections and found new people whom can join us in our journey in the Sportablility Club."
– Carmin Yunadam
Jamila discussed the positive impact employment through the Path to Potential Program has had on her and shared her experiences and difficulties accessing employment as a newly arrived young person from a refugee background.
"At FECCA I learnt that progress is not possible without deviation from the norm."
– Jamila Hussaini
Merna presented on her experiences coordinating the Sportability Club and her journey from a volunteer Sports Coach to Collective Leisure’s Sports Development Officer.
"It was a great experience and platform to share our message on inclusion. We received great feedback about inspiring other organisations to follow Collective Leisure's pathway and be more inclusive to disadvantaged groups, whether they are disadvantaged because of their health or income."
– Merna Yalda
Reflecting on the event, our sports coaches discussed how empowering it was to share their stories and experiences working on the programs. They demonstrated their passion for supporting children and young people with physical activity and were impressive advocates for our Western Sydney community.