NETBALL Queensland is putting out a search call for possible Queensland Gems netballers ahead of this year’s Marie Little Shield, a competition providing female athletes with intellectual disability the chance to represent their state at national level.
Merrin McCulloch has coached the Gems since they started participating in the Marie Little Shield, which she said was a huge opportunity for all players involved.
“They are their own versions of elite athletes,” she said.
“This is bigger than the game of netball. It’s about social contact and the most important thing, which a lot of people don’t realise, is it gives the players a sense of independence. Especially when we go away, some of the younger players and even the older ones never get to go away and just be themselves.”
McCulloch is hoping ‘come and try’ days will increase her current Gems squad of around a dozen players, who range in age from 16 to late forties.
“The age difference delivers another challenge to coaching,’ she said.
“Lisa’s nickname is ‘nails’ because she’s as tough as nails. She hits the deck so many times and we all run over every time as they are heavy hits. But that’s the dignity of risk, and the players get to decide whether they want to take that risk.”
McCulloch will select her traveling team in July, for the October competition at Sydney Olympic Park.
McCulloch is supported by Tanya Matthews (assistant coach), Jack Matthews (apprentice coach and first inclusion coach in the national program), and Debbie Kennedy (manager).
“The Marie Little Shield is huge for these players as the sense of pride in representing your state does not disappear because of having a disability,” she said.
“It shows their abilities, not their disabilities and they’re having a go at doing what other people do. The friendships they make are incredible. They’re doing their best and representing their state is at the top of the list, which isn’t easy when they have to overcome so many challenges.”
Netball Queensland’s Diamond Spirit, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, Sarah Grant, said players can’t be what they can’t see.
“It’s important to provide role models for the next generation of athletes with an intellectual disability,” Grant said.
“For them to see a pathway and opportunity to play at a national level is incredible. Netball Queensland held a development camp at the end of 2021 that gave these players an opportunity to connect and develop skills so they’re ready to go this year. It’s wonderful, after missing out for a couple of years due to COVID-19, to now have something to strive and aim for.”
The 2022 event will be hosted in partnership with Netball NSW from Wednesday 26 to Friday 28 October at Netball Central, Sydney Olympic Park.
The Marie Little Shield was named after Marie Little (OAM), a netballer who dedicated her life to those with an intellectual disability.
If you’d like to see the Gems in action, head along to Nissan Arena for a Queensland Gems versus Deaf Netball Queensland match on Sunday, June 26 at 10am.
This match is part of the HART Sapphire Series Inclusion Round.
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