MIKE RIKARD-BELL SPEAKS - TEAM SPORTS FOR ALL
Being part of a sports team is all about winning, losing and teamwork, but for some youth, being part of a sports team is not an option.
Low income welfare dependent families need a lot of help. These connections are established in local team sports. Volunteers and staff through the Team Sports for All program support these students and it is applied in the quietest way possible. It is all about physical health, mental health and self-esteem. Becoming part of a sports team often leads to improved school attendance.
The story began in an oval in Bluff Road, when some people financially supported students from across the way in public housing opposite that oval, to participate in sports teams. Jo Kwok, a member of the Rotary Club of Brighton, obtained a grant for the Bayside area. The story of Julietta, who has used the leverage of Team Sports 4 All, gained confidence and resilience through her participation in volleyball. She is now undertaking a sports science degree at Victoria University and is paying it forward by coaching local community teams.
Volunteers alone cannot solve all family problems. It is a big job to stay connected with the sports clubs. Mike's ultimate goal is to continue scaling upwards, thus expanding the initiative on the national stage.